With the discovery of some of the most ancient evidence of human habitation in the Americas in the Aucilla Sinks and Fort Center archaeological sites, it’s true that you can go deep into Florida history – and pre-history – while exploring the outdoors in Florida.
Many state parks and five of our national parks are devoted to telling Florida’s backstory through their conservation of places that mark important turning points in our history, or capture a moment in time of the ancient peoples who once roamed across this landscape.
From the original landing locations of Europeans looking to colonize the Americas to Civil War-era fortresses, plantation homes, and modern memorials to civil rights, you’ll find a breadth of historic context across the state of Florida when you visit these sites.
Resources
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Recent Historic Destinations
JILONA South Trail Circling scrub and tropical habitats in the shadow of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, this delightful mile loop along the Indian River Lagoon leads to outstanding scenic views. 
DuBois Park Fronting Jupiter Inlet where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Loxahatchee River, this breezy park has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the region.
Granite Point Loop Traversing a variety of ecosystems undergoing degrees of habitat restoration, the Granite Point Loop at Bald Point State Park features fantastic views of Ochlockonee Bay.
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve Historic and natural landscapes come together along impressively accessible trails at this picturesque conservation area on a WWII-era training base.Recent Archaeological Destinations
JILONA North Trails On the Atlantic Coastal Ridge above the Indian River Lagoon, this loop hike ranges from a mangrove overlook in a tropical forest to an immersion in sand pine scrub. DuBois Park Fronting Jupiter Inlet where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Loxahatchee River, this breezy park has one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the region.
Peck Lake Park In a hidden corner of Hobe Sound, Peck Lake Park lets you tunnel through coastal habitats along the Pioneer Passage to an observation point along the Indian River Lagoon.
Phillippi Estate Park A historic mansion and farmhouse anchor this 60-acre county park with paddler access to Phillippi Creek, fishing piers, and shell paths along a coastal hammock.Articles
Recent articles about historic and archaeological sites in Florida.
Ormond Memorial Gardens (6/22/2019) Spilling across the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Ormond Memorial Gardens leads you into a contemplative world mere steps from a major highway
Paddling the Bartram Trail in Welaka (4/8/2019) Learning how botanists William and John Bartram traveled along the St. Johns River in the 1700s, I followed an experienced river guide for a look at part of the Bartram National Recreation Trail from the water on our Bartram Adventure Tour in Palatka.