Long Key State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long Key State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Long Key State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Monroe County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Long Key, Florida |
| Area | 965 acres (3.91 km2) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Long Key State Park is a beautiful Florida State Park located on Long Key, one of the amazing Florida Keys, in Monroe County, Florida, United States. This park covers about 965 acres (3.91 km2) of land and is found at mile marker 67.5 on U.S. 1, also known as the Overseas Highway. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors!
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A Glimpse into Long Key's Past
Millions of years ago, when the ocean was much deeper, giant coral reefs grew here. Over time, these reefs became the land we now call Long Key and the other Florida Keys.
The warm weather and rich waters were perfect for the Calusa people, who lived here long before Spanish explorers came. The first Spanish explorers called the island "Cayo Vivora," which means "Rattlesnake Key." They thought the island looked like a snake with its jaws open.
In the early 1900s, Long Key became an important stop for the Florida East Coast Railroad's Key West Extension. The railroad's founder, Henry Flagler, also built the Long Key Fishing Camp here. This resort attracted famous fishermen from all over the world who loved to catch saltwater fish.
However, in 1935, a very strong storm called the Labor Day hurricane hit the Keys. It badly damaged the Fishing Camp and the railroad. The land that makes up Long Key State Park was bought between 1961 and 1973, and the park officially opened in 1969.
Plants and Animals of Long Key
The plants you see at Long Key originally came from the Caribbean. Some of the trees you might find include mangroves, West Indian mahogany, Jamaica fish poisontree, poisonwood, gumbo-limbo, and oysterwood.
The shallow waters around the park are a safe home for many kinds of saltwater fish and other ocean creatures. You can also spot many different wading birds here, especially during the winter months.
Amazing Birds of the Park
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Sunset from the campground.
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Magnificent frigatebirds flying high.
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A Reddish egret looking for food.
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A Reddish egret with a great egret nearby.
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An Osprey watching from above.
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A Little blue heron in the water.
Fun Things to Do at Long Key State Park
There are many exciting activities you can enjoy at Long Key State Park! You can go swimming in the clear waters or try snorkeling to see the marine life up close. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the calm bays.
If you like to stay on land, you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. There are also two nature trails, the Golden Orb Trail and Layton Trail, perfect for hiking and birding (watching birds). The park also has 60 campsites with full facilities, so you can even stay overnight!
