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
Calusa Heritage Trail At the Randell Research Center, explore the remains of an ancient city on Pine Island along a set of trails with abundant signage detailing its history.
Hal Scott Preserve Explore vast prairies and seepage bogs, cross the Econ River at Curry Ford, and camp under a live oak canopy—all just east of the Orlando International Airport.
Dahoma Historic Trail An easy mile-long loop traverses gently sloped sandhill communities alongside the floodplain of Thomas Creek in Cary State Forest.
Cross Florida Greenway Multiuse Path Over fifteen miles long, this linear paved path along the Cross Florida Greenway connects Santos to Ross Prairie with direct access from several trailheads.Recent Archaeological Destinations
Calusa Heritage Trail At the Randell Research Center, explore the remains of an ancient city on Pine Island along a set of trails with abundant signage detailing its history.
Florida Trail, Wakulla River Edging the Wakulla River floodplain, this 4.1 mile linear hike features quiet cypress swamps, towering trees, and a big bouncy sawdust pile hidden in the forest. 
Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park History and natural beauty meet on a 1.4 mile hike under a dense canopy of ancient live oaks to the ruins of one of Florida's oldest sugar mills.
Indian Riverside Park Extending from shoreline bluffs to soft beaches along the Indian River Lagoon, this waterfront park in Jensen Beach has an accessible linear walkway linking points of interest.Articles
Recent articles about historic and archaeological sites in Florida.
Trail To The Past (9/29/2026) Step by step, relive Florida history in the mind's eye on a walk to Culpepper Bend in Little Big Econ State Forest. Essay by Rob Rogers. 
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