Nearest city Marianna, Florida Designated December 1976 Established 1942 | Visitors 107,597 (in 2013) Phone +1 850-482-1228 | |
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Location Jackson County, Florida, USA Governing body Florida Department of Environmental Protection Address 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA Hours Open today · 8AM–6PMMonday8AM–6PMTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursday8AM–6PMFriday8AM–6PMSaturday8AM–6PMSunday8AM–6PM Management Florida Department of Environmental Protection Similar Falling Waters State Park, Three Rivers State Park, Edward Ball Wakulla, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Ponce de Leon Springs S | ||
Florida caverns state park
Florida Caverns State Park is a state park of Florida in the United States, part of the Florida State Parks system. It is located in the Florida Panhandle near Marianna. It is the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public.
Contents
The limestone caves in the park have stalagmites, stalactites and flowstones formed by the erosion of bedrock. Other formations are above ground, including rivers and springs.
Florida Caverns State Park and the neighboring golf course were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the New Deal. The park opened in 1942.
Park featuresEdit
The park is notable for its geological features, a protected area of karst topography. This geology hosts an ecosystem with plants and animals that are adapted to the limestone substrates. The caves and waterways have blind crayfish, bats, salamanders, and other species. Native Americans inhabited the area, and it is a site of archaeological interest.
The park allows nature study, exploring, and sightseeing. The 9-hole golf course is open. Other activities and amenities in the park include camping, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. There is a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and concessions. Rangers conduct several tours daily.