Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns State Park | |
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Location | Jackson County, Florida, USA |
Nearest city | Marianna, Florida |
Coordinates | 30°48′50″N 85°13′59″W / 30.81389°N 85.23306°WCoordinates: 30°48′50″N 85°13′59″W / 30.81389°N 85.23306°W |
Established | 1942 |
Visitors | 107,597 (in 2013) |
Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Designated | December 1976 |
Florida Caverns State Park is a state park of Florida in the United States, part of the Florida State Parks system. It is located in the Florida Panhandle near Marianna. It is the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public.[1]
The limestone caves in the park have stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones formed by the erosion of bedrock. Other formations are above ground, including rivers and springs.[1]
Florida Caverns State Park and the neighboring golf course were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the New Deal. The park opened in 1942.[2]
Park features[]
The park is notable for its geological features, a protected area of karst topography.[2] This geology hosts an ecosystem with plants and animals that are adapted to the limestone substrates. The caves and waterways have blind crayfish, bats, salamanders, and other species.[2] Native Americans inhabited the area, and it is a site of archaeological interest.[2]
The park allows nature study, exploring, and sightseeing. The 9-hole golf course is open. Other activities and amenities in the park include camping, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. There is a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and concessions. Rangers conduct several tours daily.[1]
Gallery[]
Sign at the entrance
Caverns
Blue Hole Spring
Pools of Water
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Florida Caverns State Park, Introduction. Florida State Parks.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d Florida Caverns State Park, History and Culture. Florida State Parks.
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Florida Caverns State Park. |
- Florida Caverns State Park at Florida State Parks
- Florida Caverns State Park. Stateparks.com.
- IUCN Category III
- State parks of Florida
- Parks in Jackson County, Florida
- National Natural Landmarks in Florida
- Caves of Florida
- Show caves in the United States
- Limestone caves
- Protected areas established in 1942
- Springs of Florida
- Florida Native American Heritage Trail
- Landforms of Jackson County, Florida
- 1942 establishments in Florida
- Civilian Conservation Corps in Florida
- National Park Service rustic in Florida
- Florida state park stubs
- Florida Panhandle geography stubs