Tomoka State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tomoka State Park |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Road through the park
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 Tomoka State Park
Location in Florida
Tomoka State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Volusia County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Ormond Beach, Florida |
| Area | 1,800 acres (7.3 km2) |
| Established | 1945 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Tomoka State Park is a beautiful Florida State Park. It covers about 2,000 acres (8.1 square kilometers) of land. You can find it along the Tomoka River, just three miles (5 km) north of Ormond Beach. It's a great place to explore nature and history!
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Amazing Animals of Tomoka State Park
Tomoka State Park is home to many different kinds of wildlife. You can spot some really cool creatures here. It's like a giant outdoor classroom for animal lovers!
Meet the Mammals and Reptiles
Keep an eye out for gentle West Indian manatees swimming in the waters. You might also see alligators basking in the sun. On land, white-tailed deer often roam through the trees. Look closely, and you might even spot a shy bobcat or a slow-moving gopher tortoise.
Birds of Tomoka: Feathered Friends
The park is a paradise for birds, with about 160 different species! During certain times of the year, you can see powerful birds of prey. These include the majestic bald eagle, the speedy peregrine falcon, and the graceful northern harrier. Wading birds are also common. You'll see elegant egrets and herons, along with large wood storks. Don't forget the unique American white ibis with its curved beak!
A Glimpse into History at Tomoka
Tomoka State Park has a rich and interesting past. It holds stories from thousands of years ago. This area was important to early people and later settlers.
Ancient Village of Nocoroco
Deep within the park, you can find the ancient site of Nocoroco. This was once a village of the Timucuan people. They lived along the Tomoka River a very long time ago. Researchers believe that people lived in this area as early as 5000 B.C. That's over 7,000 years ago!
From Plantation to Park
Later, during British rule in Florida, this land was part of a large plantation. A wealthy Scottish merchant named Richard Oswald owned it. The park officially became a state park in 1945. Because of its important history, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on May 7, 1973. This means it's a special place worth protecting.
Fun Things to Do at Tomoka State Park
Tomoka State Park offers many exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors. There's something for everyone, whether you love water activities or exploring on land.
Outdoor Adventures
You can go canoeing or boating on the river. It's a great way to see the park from the water. If you enjoy quiet time, try fishing for different kinds of fish. On land, you can go hiking on the trails. Many families love to go camping here. There are also nice spots for picnicking with friends and family. And of course, you can spend hours just watching the amazing wildlife!
Park Facilities and Trails
The park has a special one-half mile nature trail. It's perfect for learning about the plants and animals. There's also a paved 1-mile multiuse trail for walking or biking. If you have a boat, there's a convenient boat ramp. You'll find five picnic areas ready for your lunch. There are also many great spots for fishing. For those who want to stay longer, the park has one hundred campsites.
Park Hours
Florida state parks, including Tomoka, are open every day of the year. This includes holidays! You can visit between 8 a.m. and Midnight.
Images for kids
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Sign
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Entrance
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Sculpture of "Chief Tomokie"
