Tomoka State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tomoka State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 Tomoka State Park
Location in Florida
|
|
| 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 large and beautiful state park in Florida. It covers about 2,000 acres (809 km2) 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 learn about history!
Contents
Wildlife at Tomoka State Park
Tomoka State Park is home to many amazing animals. You might see West Indian manatees swimming in the water. Keep an eye out for alligators too! The park also has white-tailed deer and slow-moving gopher tortoises. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bobcat.
Birds of the Park
Over 160 different kinds of birds live here! Some birds of prey visit during certain seasons. These include the powerful bald eagle, the super-fast peregrine falcon, and the graceful northern harrier. You can also see many wading birds near the water. Look for egrets, herons, tall wood storks, and white American white ibis.
A Look Back in Time: History of Tomoka Park
This park has a long and interesting history. It was once the site of a Timucuan village called Nocoroco. The Timucuan people lived here about a thousand years ago. Their village was right on the Tomoka River.
From Village to Park
Later, during the time when Britain ruled Florida, a rich Scottish merchant named Richard Oswald owned a large plantation here. The land became a state park in 1945. Because of its important history, Tomoka State Park was added to the 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
There are so many fun activities to enjoy at Tomoka State Park! You can go canoeing or boating on the river. It's also a great spot for fishing. If you love being outdoors, you can go hiking on the trails or enjoy camping overnight. Many families come here for picnics and to watch the amazing wildlife.
Park Features and Amenities
The park has a special nature trail that is half a mile long. There's also a paved, one-mile trail perfect for walking or biking. If you have a boat, there's a convenient boat ramp. You'll find five picnic areas where you can relax and eat. There are also plenty of spots for fishing and one hundred campsites if you want to stay longer.
Park Hours
Florida state parks, including Tomoka State Park, are open every day of the year. You can visit from 8 a.m. until Midnight, even on holidays!
Images for kids
-
Welcome sign at Tomoka State Park
-
The entrance to Tomoka State Park
-
A sculpture of Chief Tomokie, a legendary Timucuan leader
