Florida
Nature|National & State Parks

Gilchrist Blue Springs Is The Newest State Park In Florida And It’s Incredible

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in Florida offers stunning natural springs and a variety of recreational activities.

Updated Feb 12, 2022

Written by 

Victoria W

One of our state's greatest assets is its high number of wild, beautiful, and well-preserved state parks. In fact, Florida's park service has received three National Gold Medals for Excellence, more than any other state. The newest state park to be added to the list in Florida is none other than Gilchrist Blue Springs, and it sure is a stunner. If you've never been to this new state park, then we recommend spending the day enjoying the swimming, sunshine, and nature. Check out this beautiful state park in Florida.

Welcome to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in High Springs. It's Florida’s newest state park!

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High Springs is about 20 miles from Gainesville.

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This scenic park along the Santa Fe River is home to six natural springs, including a second magnitude spring called Gilchrist Blue Spring that pumps out an average of 44 million gallons of gorgeous, crystal-clear water a day.

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Its state park status might be new, but this property has been open for recreational use as a private park going all the way back to 1958. It will continue to offer lots of recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and paddling.

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The 407-acre property was purchased for $5.2 million using Florida Forever funding. Its status as a state park will help ensure that the park is preserved and continues to be enjoyed by visitors long into the future.

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The park will continue to offer concessions and rentals for guests, such as snacks, beverages, and equipment for paddleboarding and tubing.

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If you think it's too chilly for water recreation, you should still consider a visit. This is a popular hangout for our beloved manatees, especially during the winter months.

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Like other Florida state parks, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is full of fun and excitement.

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Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL, 32643

Click here to visit their website.

Have you visited Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park? What's your favorite beautiful state park in Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

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Nature|National & State Parks

There’s A Cave In Florida That Looks Just Like Carlsbad Caverns, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna offers a unique underground cave experience with guided tours showcasing stunning calcite formations.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

If you’re from Florida, then you probably are already familiar with Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. But outside of the Sunshine State, hardly anyone knows it even exists! That’s because it's hard to compete with caves like Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. But with one trip to this giant cave system in Florida, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing out on all along. So, if you're a cave enthusiast or if you've ever wondered, "Are there caves in Florida" we have just the place for you!

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Florida Caverns State Park in Florida is an underground wonder that most Americans hardly know even exists.

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Google Local Bert

Located in the Panhandle near Marianna, this is the only state park in the state with air-filled caves that are accessible to the public.

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Google Local Jessica Gibson

Visiting the caves for the first time, you’ll certainly be in for a treat. A tour of this underground system takes about 45 minutes and will give you a glimpse into how this natural beauty was made.

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Google Local Pete Ciechanowski

A park ranger accompanies each tour group through the caverns, as you cannot explore the system alone.

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Google Local Paula Rees

Make sure to dress warmly! The cave system is at 65 degrees year-round. Wear comfortable sneakers, too. You’ll walk down 350 feet to the cave entrance and then down 35 steps using a handrail.

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Google Local Cindy G

The caves are truly special, averaging around 45 feet below the surface and 65 feet at their lowest point. When the colorful lights begin to reflect off the calcite formations, that’s when the show really begins!

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Google Local Amanda Hall

Enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more, when you explore the majestic depths that create Florida Caverns.

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Google Local Deepak Kumar Biswal

Have you ever been to Florida Caverns State Park before? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section! Cavern tours are offered Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Guests can purchase cavern tour tickets at the Florida Caverns Gift Shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) on the day of arrival. Tour tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the Florida Caverns State Park website.

Also, if natural wonders are in your wheelhouse, you'll love this adventure. Take the ultimate natural wonders road trip through Florida!

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Nature|National & State Parks

This State Park In Florida Is So Little Known, You’ll Practically Have It All To Yourself

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun despite its smaller size.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When it comes to hidden gems in Florida, oftentimes visitors think the bigger, the better. However, such is not always the case. Take this little-known state park in Dania Beach as the perfect example. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is around 310 acres but offers a unique blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and family fun.

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While you might think that 310 acres for a state park is quite large...in comparison to other parks in Florida (Hello, Everglades, 1.5 million acres) it remains on the smaller side.

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Google Nicole Allum

However, that doesn’t mean that Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is lacking in any way. In fact, the size is probably one of the main reasons why you SHOULD visit.

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Google User

Formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, this beachside spot is located just south of Port Everglades.

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Google Ed Bacha

With an undeveloped coastal ecosystem, people flock to this park for some reprieve from the day-to-day city life of Broward County.

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The park is a popular spot for people to swim, fish, shell, boat, bike, picnic, snorkel, and hike - allowing guests to disappear into nature for the afternoon.

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Google Frank Sach

Those who visit between November through May are treated to a rare sighting of the endangered beach Jacquemontia, a white-pink flower that doesn’t come around too often.

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Flickr Dave Eichoff

Birding is also a popular pastime here throughout the year, as guests are treated to a variety of birds who roost, rest, and feed along the sandy shorelines.

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Google Dave Steinlauf

But even if you just come to wade in the warm waters and bask in the sunshine, this state park is worth the visit.

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Google Garrett McFarlane

Have you ever visited this state park in Florida before? What were some of the fun things you enjoyed while there? Make sure to sound off in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about one of the best hidden gems in Florida, including current fees to enter and hours of operation, then check out the Florida State Parks website.

Also, while you happen to be in the Dania Beach area, make sure to stop over at this delightful ice cream shop for a sweet treat:

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/long-line-fl/

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