Fort Cooper State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Cooper State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Fort Cooper State Park
Location in Florida
Fort Cooper State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Citrus County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Inverness, Florida |
| Area | 710 acres (2.9 km2) |
| Established | June 13, 1972 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Fort Cooper State Park is a cool historic place in Inverness, Florida. It covers about 710 acres, which is like 710 football fields! You can find it about two miles (3 km) south of Inverness, right off U.S. Highway 41.
This park became a Florida State Park on June 13, 1972. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a really important historical spot in the United States.
Animals You Might See
Fort Cooper State Park is home to many different animals. If you visit, keep an eye out for some amazing wildlife!
- Deer: You might spot white-tailed deer quietly walking through the trees.
- Birds: Look up to see wild turkeys, owls, and graceful herons. Bright red cardinals are also common.
- Other Animals: You could also see opossums and even bobcats, though they are a bit shy!
Fun Things to Do
There are lots of exciting activities to enjoy at Fort Cooper State Park. It's a great place for outdoor adventures!
- History Re-enactment: Every March, the park hosts a special event. You can watch a re-enactment of the Second Seminole War. It's like stepping back in time!
- Water Activities: You can go fishing, swimming, or just relax and sunbathe by the water.
- Boating: Try out canoeing or take a boat tour to explore the park from the water.
- Hiking: There are nearly 5 miles (8 km) of hiking trails to explore. You can enjoy nature and get some exercise.
- Camping: The park has areas for youth camping and a primitive campground for a more rustic experience.
- Nature Viewing: It's a perfect spot to watch animals and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Trail Access: You can also reach the park from the Withlacoochee State Trail, which is great for biking or walking.
Park Features and Hours
Fort Cooper State Park has many features to make your visit enjoyable.
- Lake Access: The park gives you access to 160 acres (0.65 km²) of Lake Holathlikaha.
- Swimming Area: There's a special area where you can go for a swim.
- Rentals: You can rent paddleboats and canoes to explore the lake.
- Picnic and Playground: There's a nice area for picnics and a playground for kids to enjoy.
- Nature Trails: Besides the longer hiking trails, there are also shorter nature trails.
- Beach: The park has a beach area where you can relax.
- Campground: If you like camping, there's a primitive campground available.
Florida State Parks are open every day of the year, including holidays. You can visit from 8 a.m. until sundown.
Images for kids
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Fort Cooper
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Fort Cooper site
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Entrance to the park from Withlacoochee State Trail
