Florence Marina State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florence Marina State Park |
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Florence Marina State Park
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 Florence Marina State Park
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Florence Marina State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Stewart County, Georgia, USA |
| Nearest city | Omaha, Georgia |
| Area | 173 acres (0.70 km2; 0.27 sq mi) |
| Governing body | Georgia State Park |
Florence Marina State Park is a cool place to visit in Georgia, covering about 173 acres. It's located near Omaha on the eastern shore of Walter F. George Lake. This park is famous for its deep-water marina, which is a special dock for boats. It's also a fantastic spot for water sports like fishing and waterskiing.
If you love nature, you'll enjoy looking for birds here! You might spot beautiful herons, egrets, and if you're lucky, even bald eagles flying high. The park also has the Kirbo Interpretive Center. This center teaches visitors about Native American history and shows off cool things like snakes, turtles, fish, and old artifacts from long, long ago up to the early 1900s. Just 10 miles away, you can also visit Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area, which is sometimes called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon."
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Discover Florence Marina State Park!
Florence Marina State Park is a great place for outdoor adventures and learning. It offers many ways to enjoy nature and explore history.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are lots of activities to keep you busy at Florence Marina State Park:
- Boating and Water Sports: The park's marina is perfect for launching your boat. You can go waterskiing, tubing, or just cruise on Walter F. George Lake.
- Fishing: The lake is full of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers of all ages.
- Bird Watching: Grab your binoculars! The park is home to many different birds. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and maybe even a majestic bald eagle.
- Explore the Kirbo Interpretive Center: This center is like a mini-museum. You can learn about the Native American people who lived in this area. It also has live animals like snakes and turtles, plus ancient tools and items from the past.
A Glimpse into the Past: Park History
The land where Florence Marina State Park now sits has a long and interesting history. It was once the site of a busy frontier town called Florence.
- Early Days: The town was first named Liverpool, just like the famous port city in England.
- A Prosperous Town: Florence grew into a successful town. It even had a covered bridge that connected it to Alabama, a newspaper, a bank, and a hotel.
- Decline of Florence: In 1846, a big flood washed away the bridge. Later, the railroad was built, but it bypassed Florence. This meant the town was no longer a main stop for travelers and trade, and it slowly declined.
- Official Town: Florence was officially a town from 1837 until 1995. Today, the park helps keep its memory alive.
Places to Stay and Play
If you want to spend more than a day at the park, there are several options for staying overnight and having fun:
- 39 Tent/Trailer/RV Campsites: Perfect for camping with your family or friends.
- 7 Cottages: Cozy cabins if you prefer a more comfortable stay.
- 8 Efficiency Units: Smaller, convenient rooms for a quick getaway.
- 2 Playgrounds: Great for younger kids to run around and play.
- 1 Group Shelter: A large covered area for big gatherings or parties.
- 1 Picnic Shelter: A smaller covered area for picnics.
- Tennis Courts: For those who enjoy a game of tennis.
Yearly Celebrations
The park hosts special events throughout the year that you might enjoy:
- Christmas on the Lake (December): A festive event to celebrate the holidays by the water.
- Easter Egg Hunt (Easter): A fun activity for kids during the Easter season.
Images for kids
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entrance sign
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Gas Dock
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Camping Area
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White-tailed deer in the park
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The marina
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Kirbo Interpretive Center
