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Manatee Viewing at Blue Spring State Park

When you think of Florida, cold weather isn’t the first thing to come to mind.  But when the mercury starts to drop, some of the best places to visit are the state’s springs.  That’s where you will be able to see manatees in their natural habitats – a sight that never gets old.  So, when we got our first blast of cold air, guess where we headed?

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City offers some of the best views of manatees (at least in our opinion).  Considered one of the largest gathering sites for these gentle giants during the winter months, Blue Spring is home to nearly 500 manatees, up from about 40 when research began in the 1970s.

The park offers numerous viewing platforms to see the manatees. Watch from the overlooks, a metal dock or follow the boardwalk to the headspring.  About 1/3 of a mile from the St. Johns River, this first magnitude spring (a spring that discharges water at the rate of 100 cubic feet per second) provides a safe haven for these gentle giants.

Manatees in the spring run

Take the boardwalk to the headspring

What You Will See

If it’s cold outside, there’s no doubt you will observe manatees during your visit to Blue Spring State Park.  Watch as the manatees hang out in the spring run or the spring itself.  Get a glimpse of the manatee mothers swimming alongside their calves, or a group of manatees playing games in the water. See them glide slowly through the water, sit on the bottom of the spring run or perform barrel rolls.  There is something very peaceful about observing these mammals in their habitat.

Manatees of all sizes can be observed in Blue Spring State Park. They can grow up to 10-12 feet in length and can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. Manatees can live 50 – 60 years in the wild, and according to the Save the Manatee website, some of the same manatees have been spotted in Blue Spring since the early 70s.

Mama and her calf

Injuries to Manatees

Sadly, many manatees receive serious injuries from boats, some from propellers cutting into their skin, or from blunt-force from speeding boaters.  Many of the manatees seen in Blue Spring have scars as evidence of their injuries.  Not all injuries come from boats, however. Some come from nets or fishing line or other items tossed into the water ways.

Water Activities

Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and diving are all suspended in the spring run and the headspring at Blue Spring State Park during the winter months.

Tips for Viewing

Besides Blue Spring State Park, manatees can be seen in many springs, rivers and other waterways around the state during the winter months of November through March.  No matter where you see them, here are a few tips for viewing:

  1. On cold mornings at Blue Spring State Park, arrive early. The park closes its gates once the parking lots are full. Check your destination for site specific information.
  2. Look but don’t touch.
  3. Be patient. Manatees typically come up for air every three to five minutes. However, they can stay underwater for up to 15 – 20 minutes.
  4. When the manatees surface, listen closely for their breathing sounds.
  5. Do not feed them or poke them with anything.
  6. Take along a camera or use your smart phone. They don’t move fast and you can get some great photos!
  7. Sunny days are more picturesque than cloudy days, but you can still see them, even with overcast skies.

Hanging out over the spring

Blue Spring State Park is a 50-minute drive from Orlando and is located on French Avenue in Orange City, west of US Highway 17-92.  Park hours are 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.  There is a $6.00 per car charge to get into the park.

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High Springs – Friendliest Small Town in Florida

If you’ve ever watched Hallmark Christmas movies, you have no doubt seen the small towns that serve as the settings for the storylines.  Picturesque downtowns, storied pasts, rural lifestyles, and laidback atmospheres.  It is that type of vibe that is exhibited in many of  small Florida towns – including High Springs.  Voted as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida,” High Springs is the epitome of small-town life, and a stop on one of our latest excursions.

High Springs – A History Built on the Rails  

To put it simply, High Springs is a town that the railroad industry built.  The first railroad company to arrive in High Springs was the Savannah, Florida and Western Railroad in 1884, but it wasn’t until 1895 and the arrival of the Plant System Railroad Line (later called the Atlantic Coast Line) that High Springs became an important railroad center. The Plant System chose High Springs as its division headquarters and the town boomed. Early lines through High Springs connected Live Oak with Gainesville, and then High Springs to Port Tampa.  Railyards, workshops and a roundhouse were built, along with houses and a hospital for the workers who called High Springs home.

Even though most of the railroad buildings have disappeared, you can still catch a glimpse of rail history in High Springs. The original passenger depot, built in 1910, sits along NE Railroad Avenue and is all that remains of what was once a vast railroad complex. Even it is not in its original location. The building was moved to its current location and renovated in 1994, and now serves as the office to the Community Redevelopment Agency.

Another depot serves as the High Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and can be found along the old railroad bed at Railroad Avenue, one block south of Main Street.  The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is a good place to stop for information if you are there during the week.

Still another sign of the railroad industry’s influence on the community is an Atlantic Coast Line red caboose on display behind City Hall.

The town’s standing as a rail center began to fade after World War II when diesel engines took the place of steam locomotives.

An historical marker in High Springs provides a look into the early days in High Springs.  Over the years, the town had several names (Santaffey, Santa Fe, Fairmont and Orion) before it changed for good to High Springs in 1884.  It was incorporated just eight years later.

Gateway to the Springs

In addition to its history with the railroad, High Springs is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of North Florida’s famous spring country, it is within driving distance of numerous springs and state parks and lives up to its motto “Enjoy Our Good Nature!”  A mural of nearby springs can be seen on the exterior of the old Adventure Outpost which once had a storefront in town. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Poe Springs Park and Ginnie Springs all provide kayaking and canoeing experiences, as well as hiking opportunities.  Other smaller springs also dot the landscape.

One of our favorite locations is O’Leno State Park, about six miles north of High Springs along the banks of the Santa Fe River. O’Leno is one of Florida’s first state parks, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. You can still walk across the original suspension bridge built by the CCC to explore other parts of the park.  A hike through the park reveals an historic marker of Bellamy Road which was the first federally funded road in Florida.  You can also view levees and native plants along the trails.  An interesting feature of O’Leno is its distinction of the location where the Santa Fe River disappears underground. The river reemerges about three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve.  It is worth the hike back to where the river ends, both for the novelty and the beauty of the river.

Exploring Downtown

One of the highlights of our trips to High Springs has been the leisurely walks along downtown streets. From the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Highway 27, there are a couple of directions you can start your downtown exploration.  Rest assured, all roads lead to antique stores and specialty shops.

Places to Eat and Drink

As with all small towns, there are always a few eateries you need to visit.  Both of our trips have included meals at the Great Outdoors Restaurant in the old Opera House building. We’ve enjoyed the river ambiance inside during the warmer months and the outdoor patio and fireplace during the cooler months.

On our most recent visit to High Springs, the High Springs Brewing Company had just celebrated its grand opening. Located on NW 237th Street, the brewery is housed in an old welding shop and serves up its own craft beers, as well as other Florida brews.  Live entertainment, special events and a variety of food trucks provide a well-rounded experience, no matter when you go.

Murals

As we’ve traveled the state, we’ve noticed more and more murals popping up. High Springs is no exception. From a tribute to the railroad industry to a mural portraying the area’s springs, these paintings provide another glimpse into the town’s character.

Whether you plan to visit for the history, the shopping, or the outdoor adventures, High Springs is a great place to spend a relaxing day or even weekend.  Located about 20 miles northwest of Gainesville and about five miles west of Interstate 75 on Highway 441, it’s just far enough off the beaten path to offer that down-home vibe and prove why it has earned the title as the “Friendliest Small Town in Florida.”

After you view our slideshow below of more of our photos from our trip, be sure to leave us a comment about your favorite place in High Springs or give us a suggestion of another great Florida town to visit.

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Wakulla Springs State Park

Even when exploring isn’t the main goal for a weekend, there is always a desire to find someplace nearby to visit for the day.  I recently traveled to Tallahassee to see my granddaughter perform in her school’s spring program.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the weekend, and we knew our Saturday plans should include someplace outside.  Our final choice:  Wakulla Springs Lodge and State Park, about 16 miles south of Tallahassee, truly a slice of “old Florida.”

What made this excursion more enjoyable was seeing it through the eyes of my grandkids.

Wakulla Springs State Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

First, a little about the park.  Wakulla Springs State Park incorporates 6,000 acres and was developed as a wildlife sanctuary by Edward Ball who purchased the property in 1934.  There is a lodge on the property, one of the largest springs in the world, a nature trail, and a river tour that offers an up-close look at the wildlife along the Wakulla River.

Wakulla Lodge | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Lodge

The lodge was completed in 1937 and is still operational today.  Walking inside you can’t help but notice its grandeur.  Everything from the grand piano, to the furnishings, to the 10-foot ceilings.

The ceiling at Wakulla Lodge | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Also in the lodge, a bit of its history is on display, including a photograph of some of the original groundskeepers of the park.  It’s funny what kids pick up on, because later in the day when my four-year-old granddaughter was looking through the photos on my phone, she saw that picture and said, “My great-granddaddy is in that picture.”  Her paternal grandmother, along on our trip, says “It was nothing but swamp land, and he and all those men cleared it out and kept the grounds.”

While inside, you don’t want to miss “Old Joe,” an 11-foot 2-inch stuffed alligator. He was once a famous resident along the river, but met with a tragic death in 1966.  Needless to say, he is still a hit – and kids and grandkids are amazed by just how big he was.

Checking out “Old Joe” | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Wakulla Springs was also home to some famous movies.  Tarzan’s Secret Treasure was filmed here in 1941.  Then there was The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1950s) that used Wakulla Springs for most of its underwater scenes.  An FSU student and part-time lifeguard at the springs played the part of the creature in those scenes.  (Both of these movies are talked about more in the River Boat Tour.)

Movie Memorabilia, Wakulla Springs | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Also, a hit of the lodge, the Soda Fountain which offers some delicious sweet treats and is home to the longest marble counter ever built:  70 feet six inches long.

Soda Fountain at Wakulla Lodge | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The Springs and Boat Tour

Of course the draw to the park is the spring itself.  Wakulla Springs is one of the largest in the world.  It measures 315 feet in diameter, is almost 185 feet deep, and pumps 250 – 300 million gallons of water a day.  A beach and three-story dive tower are favorites among park visitors.

Dive Tower at Wakulla Springs | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

When the water is clear, a glass bottom boat tour can provide beautiful glimpses into the bowl of the spring.  Unfortunately, the boats don’t run as much as they used to and you can no longer see some of the Springs’ treasures:  a mastodon, schools of fish, or Henry-the-Pole-Vaulting Fish.

The River Boat Tour may not offer all of the beauty below the surface, but there is still plenty to see.  A 40-minute leisurely ride around a two-mile loop is a must for visitors.  Our tour guide was friendly, provided answers to questions, and allowed us to drift around points of interest, which included close up views of birds…

alligators…

and amazing views of the river.

Cameras are a must to capture the beauty of this state park.  Binoculars are a good idea, too, even for the youngest of passengers.  As my grandson said, “I can’t see anything without them!”

This is definitely one of those places for the whole family to enjoy.  Plan for a whole day for picnicking, swimming, playing on the playground or visiting inside the lodge.  Just make sure you get your boat tickets early.  They do sell out.

 Floridiana Magazine (FM) Footnote:  Wakulla Springs State Park is on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.  It’s believed that Wakulla means “river of the crying bird” or “strange and mysterious waters.”

De Leon Springs State Park

With more than 160 state parks in Florida, it would take a little over three years to visit them all, if you only visited one each weekend.  Those parks are some of the best places to experience the “old” Florida and chances are, no matter where you live in the state, you are within a short driving distance of one of them.

If you live in or near Volusia County, you have a gem in your own backyard – De Leon Springs State Park. The park covers 625 acres and includes a spring that pumps 19 million gallons of water a day and offers something for everyone: water activities, hiking, learning history, picnicking and even pancakes!

Water Activities 

With a spring boasting year round temperatures of 72 degrees, it is a popular location for swimming and snorkeling.  Besides swimming, you can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboats and explore the paddling trail that provides access to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.  There’s also a free boat ramp if you choose to launch your own boat.  And of course, what would water activities be if fishing weren’t included?  Fish in the St. John’s River or the spring run.  Just be sure you have a freshwater fishing license if you plan on casting a line.

Great place for a swim! De Leon Springs State Park | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Rent a canoe to explore the waterways.

Hiking and Birding

De Leon Springs offers up three trails, perfect for both the casual walker and the more serious hiker. One of the trails – The Nature Trail – is a half-mile paved trail and boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp and leads you to Old Methuselah – a cypress tree that’s more than 500 years old. There are also two other trails – Monkey Island Trail and the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail.  Wild Persimmon is four miles long and is not for the casual walker.  The park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so take along your binoculars and keep an eye to the sky (or the trees).

The Nature Trail to Old Methuselah

 

History

If you are a history buff, there is plenty of history to learn about at De Leon Springs. Nearly 30 years ago a dugout canoe – said to be 6,000 years old – was found in the spring.  Other historical notes include the arrival of the first Spanish friars in the 1590s, the only water-powered sugar mill in Florida, a tourist resort, hotel and casino, a roadside attraction with a jungle cruise, and its current use as the De Leon Springs State Park.  There are plenty of artifacts left over from the time as a sugar mill and most of them are located near the Sugar Mill Restaurant.

One of many historic structures in the park.

Pancakes

Yes! Pancakes!  The Sugar Mill Restaurant at the park is a favorite among guests. Located inside the replica of the old sugar mill, what makes this restaurant unique is that each table has its own griddle.  Visitors are provided  homemade batter and actually pour and flip their own pancakes.  Additional items, like chocolate chips, bananas and blueberries can be ordered to customize your pancakes.  Plan on a wait time, as this is one of the hot spots at the park.

Picnicking

No matter what your reason for visiting the park, make sure you pack a picnic lunch and enjoy eating at one of the picnic tables.  Two pavilions are available for free on a first come, first serve basis, or you can rent one of four other pavilions.  Kids will love the playground!

If you’re looking for a little day trip, pack up the car.  The park is located off Highway 17 in De Leon Springs, about an hour north of Orlando.

Manatee Viewing

Whenever I see manatees in their natural settings, their beauty and mystery never cease to amaze me.  I’ve seen them playing in the Gulf of Mexico just offshore of Englewood Beach and I’ve seen them in springs and canals. And each time is like the first.

Here are a few of my favorite manatee viewing areas:

Blue Spring State Park, Orange City:  Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge and during the colder months of the year, hundreds of these gentle giants can be seen in the spring.  There are numerous observation areas along the spring run, as well as a boardwalk that goes to the spring itself.   Please visit my earlier blog post on Blue Spring State Park to learn more.

Hanging out in the spring run at Blue Spring State Park

Manatee Springs State Park, Chiefland:  Manatee Springs is one of the state’s largest springs and is also a National Natural Landmark.  Water from the spring run flows into the Suwannee River before it meets the Gulf of Mexico. Watch the manatees from the boardwalk or from the shoreline.

From the shore at Manatee Springs

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Titusville:  A manatee observation deck overlooking the Haulover Canal provides the perfect spot to watch the marine mammals. Another area close by is across the bridge to the boat ramp.  I actually saw more playing there than at the observation deck itself.  Again, most of the manatees can be seen during the spring and fall when the weather is a little cooler.

Mom and calf at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (from the boat ramp)

Other places you might want to visit for manatee viewing:

  • Fanning Springs State Park, Fanning Springs
  • Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River
  • Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach
  • Lee County Manatee Park, Ft. Myers

A few pointers boaters at Manatee Springs

The best time for viewing aggregations of manatees is from November through April when they are finding their way into the warmer waters.  Water activities are suspended in the state parks during the winter season because of the manatees.

Enjoy the view!

Blue Spring State Park

Away from the crowded beaches and major theme parks that attract millions of visitors from around the globe, is the natural Florida. Places where nature is left intact and is preserved.  Places where you can witness the beauty of the “old” Florida.  The Springs.  And there are a lot of them.  In fact, geologists have estimated there to be more than 900 springs in the state, including Blue Spring State Park.

Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is home to the largest spring on the St. John’s River.  With more than 2,600 acres, the park offers something for just about any nature lover. Or manatee lover.

Blue Spring State Park

Manatee Season

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge and is the winter home to hundreds of West Indies manatees. Manatee season here runs from mid-November through March and is one of the biggest draws to the park.  The water is a constant 72 degrees, so when the mercury drops, the manatees find their way into the spring run and the spring itself.  On a cold winter morning, with steam rising from the spring, manatees can be easily spotted.  Manatee watchers count them daily and record  their numbers. Since guests are  not allowed to get into the water, several lookouts are strategically located and allow you to stand above the spring to view these gentle giants.

On the day of our visit, with temperatures of 35 degrees and wind chills much colder, 270 manatees were counted.  The following day, that number jumped to 377.


Historical Site

The park is also an historical site. The Thursby House, a two-story frame structure, was built in 1873, at the height of the steamboat era, by Louis Thursby.  It was the hub of activity along the St. John’s River and hosted steamboat passengers as they traveled up and down the river.

Other Amenities

For water lovers, there is canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and certified scuba diving (with a partner).  Just be advised, no water activities are allowed in the spring or the spring run during manatee season.

For campers, there are six cabins, each with two bedrooms, and 51 campsites.  For those just wanting to get away for a day and enjoy a nice picnic in the park, there are plenty pavilions to help you do just that.

Make sure also you take the boardwalk (1/3 of a mile) through the hammock to the spring.

Orange City is located on Highway 17 between DeBary and DeLand.  The park is four miles off 17 on West French Avenue.  The gates open at 8:00 a.m., but will close temporarily when the parking lot is full.  Admission to the park is $6.00 per car.