Florida Caverns State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florida Caverns State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Florida Caverns State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Jackson County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Marianna, Florida |
| Established | 1942 |
| Visitors | 107,597 (in 2013) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
| Designated: | December 1976 |
Florida Caverns State Park is a special state park in Florida, USA. It's located near the town of Marianna in the part of Florida called the Florida Panhandle. What makes this park super cool is that it's the only state park in Florida where you can explore real caves filled with air!
These amazing caves are made of limestone. Over a very long time, water has slowly worn away the rock, creating incredible shapes. You can see formations like stalagmites (which grow up from the cave floor) and stalactites (which hang down from the cave ceiling). There are also flowstones, which look like frozen waterfalls of rock.
The park and its nearby golf course were built a long time ago by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was part of a big government plan called the New Deal to help people find jobs during tough times. The park first opened its doors in 1942.
What Makes the Park Special?
This park is famous for its unique geology, which is how the Earth's surface is formed. It has something called karst topography. This means the land is made of limestone that has been dissolved by water, creating caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers.
Because of this special environment, the park is home to many interesting plants and animals. Some creatures, like blind crayfish, bats, and salamanders, live in the caves and waterways. Long ago, Native Americans also lived in this area, so it's a place with important archaeological history.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Florida Caverns State Park is a great place to learn about nature, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
- Cave Tours: The main attraction is exploring the air-filled caves! Park rangers lead tours every day to show you the amazing formations.
- Golf: If you like golf, there's a 9-hole golf course right in the park.
- Camping: You can stay overnight and enjoy the park's beauty by camping.
- Hiking: There are trails for hiking where you can explore the forests and see the natural springs.
- Boating and Fishing: You can also go boating and fishing in the park's waterways.
- Horseback Riding: For those who love horses, horseback riding is another fun activity.
- Visitor Center: Make sure to stop by the visitor center. It has cool exhibits that explain the park's history and geology, plus a place to buy snacks and souvenirs.
Gallery
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Sign at the entrance
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Inside the amazing caverns
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The beautiful Blue Hole Spring
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Clear pools of water inside the cave
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