If you’re looking for a unique old Florida adventure, you’ll want to add Florida Caverns State Park to your list. Located in Marianna, in the Florida panhandle, this park offers a stunning cave system that’s been attracting visitors for decades. And while the caverns are the main draw for the park, there are plenty of other things to do as well.

History of the Florida Caverns State Park

Imagine walking through a cave that formed millions of years ago when sea levels were much higher than they are today. As time progressed, the sea receded and the limestone rock that remained was slowly eroded by water. The result: a series of intricate underground caves that are now enjoyed by more than 100,000 visitors each year – Florida Caverns State Park.

In the 1930s, a government surveyor discovered the caves, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) went in and developed a walkable cave system for visitors. The CCC removed mud, widened the passages, and excavated – all by hand.  A rock still visible inside the caverns was used as a guide for the CCC workers. They tied a rope to the rock and around their waists.  When the lights went out, they could follow the rope back to the rock where they could see the light to the entrance. It is said that many of them also hit their heads on the stalactite hanging directly above it, a common occurrence even among cave visitors today!

The CCC was hard at work for four years constructing trails, lighting in the caverns, a golf course (no longer in use), the Visitor Center, a picnic shelter, and roads and trails on the eastern side of the park. But their work ended abruptly with America’s entry into World War II. During the war, the park was used as a training site for the Army and the caves were used for storage.

The Florida Caverns Become a Park

Established in 1942, Florida Caverns State Park became the 7^th state park in Florida.  It was also the first state park in Florida to offer tours of underground caves.  Expansions have taken place at the park over the years, new trails added, along with a camping area and public boat ramp.

The State was forced to close the park down for nine months however, for cleanup and repairs from Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. Michael wiped out more than 90% of the Park’s forest and damaged many of the facilities.

The park is open again and continues to be a popular destination in the Florida panhandle.

Guided Tours of Florida Caverns

The main attraction at the park is the caverns where you can meander through a dozen or so cave “rooms.” Tours begin outside the gift shop where basic instructions are provided.  Visitors are then led down a path to the cave at the bottom of 35 steps. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour lasts 45 minutes to an hour and includes walking through narrow passageways and areas where the ceilings only four and a half feet high.  Park literature says the tour is moderately strenuous, but I personally found it to be an easy walk.

Tour Highlights

The Great Room is the largest cave chamber and features towering stalagmites and stalactites that have been growing for thousands of years.  This is where that old school lesson comes in handy.  Stalactites (with a c) grow from the ceiling. Stalagmites (with a g) grow from the ground.

There’s also a formation that looks like a layered Wedding Cake and is made up of multiple stalactites that have grown together.  The Soda Straw Room is filled with what looks like delicate soda straws, which are thin, hollow tubes of calcite that have formed over time. And then there’s the Drapery Room, filled with intricate drapery formations that look like curtains hanging from the ceiling.

Tips for Visiting Florida Caverns

If you are planning on visiting the park and touring the caverns, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your visit is a pleasant one.

• Book your tour in advance. Tours can fill up quickly, so the best rule of thumb is to go to the gift shop as soon as you arrive and purchase your tickets for the tours. Tickets can be purchased in the Florida Caverns Gift Shop.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The cave tour involved walking on uneven surfaces and includes navigating through some narrow and low passageways.
• Pay attention to the park’s rules. One of the most important rules is to not touch anything while you’re inside the cave. It protects the cave system and ensures everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Bring necessary gear. If you plan to explore the park’s hiking trails, don’t forget water, sunscreen, insect repellant, and a camera to capture the beauty of the park.

Other Things to Do and See at Florida Caverns State Park

While the caves steal the spotlight, the park offers a wide range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Water Activities – If you want to swim, you can take a dip in Blue Hole Spring, located near the equestrian/tent camping area.  Be advised though, the spring is 64° and 30 feet deep, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

For those wanting to stay above water, canoes and kayaks can be rented in the gift shop then picked up at the canoe/kayak launch along the Chipola River.  A side note on the Chipola River.  At the launch area, the river flows underground through a cavern and reappears a quarter mile away.  During some times of the year when the water is high, part of the river continues to flow above the ground in a man-made ditch.

Hiking and Nature Trails – The park features several well-maintained trails for bicyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. Trails offer a variety of routes for different skill levels and interests and provide scenic views of the woodlands and the Chipola River.

Picnicking and Camping – Whether you go for a day or a few days, there are plenty of places to camp and picnic.  There are 38 campsites including both RV and primitive tent sites.  The park also provides five picnic areas.

History – A visit to the museum provides an historic overview of the cave formations along with the significant contributions and conservation efforts made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during World War II.

Hours of Operation and Admission Fees

Florida Caverns State Park Guided caverns tours are offered seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. From Labor Day (September) to Memorial Day (end of May) there are tours only offered five days a week – Thursday through Monday.  The tours are also not offered  Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The gates open at 8:00 a.m. and close at sunset.  Upon arrival, you will be charged a $5.00 per car entrance fee to the park.  Cave tours are $15.00 per person for individuals ages 13 and up, and $8.00 per person for children ages 3 to 12.  Children under 2 and under are free.

How to Get to the Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna off of U.S. 90 on State Road 166.  Depending on which way you’re headed on Interstate 10, there are two ways to get there.  If you’re traveling from Pensacola, get off on exit 136, turn left on Highway 276 North and then right on Highway 90 and follow the signs. If you’re traveling from the east, take exit 142, turn right on Highway 71 North, then left on Highway 90.  Follow the signs.

Address: 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna

Phone: 850-482-1228

Plan your visit to Florida Caverns State Park and prepare to be amazed by the wonders that lie beneath the surface and above it.

And if you’re looking for something else to do in the area, just 30 minutes south of the caverns is Falling Waters State Park.

Enjoy the slideshow below on additional photos taken at Florida Caverns State Park.

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