Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park located in Estero, Florida is a really unique and historic park. Founded in 1893 by a religious group by the name of the Koreshans and included sawmill, bakery, boat works, store and more. Located along the Estero river the property which is home to eleven restored historical buildings, is a great place to spend a few hours wandering the grounds. Or if you want to stay awhile you can camp here and it's a great jumping off point in South Florida. Just a short drive to Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, the Tamiami trai and Everglades, theres a lot to see in the area of Florida.

Winding through the park is the Estero river, which used to bring guest up to the property but now it's a wonderful way to spend the day. Kayaking and canoeing along the brackish river offer views of wildlife or you can try your hand at fishing. If you want to stay on your feet, the hiking trail along the river, through bamboo is really magical. Or you can stick to the paved path running through the heart of the original compound.

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some family time under the shade of old pine trees or grill up some burgers on the provided grills. Let the kids burn off some energy on the playground or just take a quiet walk through the grounds soaking up the nature and history.

The campground has sixty sites that accomodate both tent and RV campers with a length up to forty feet. These are all back in spaces and all have water, electric, picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available for purchase but bring a hatchet since they are rather large pieces. Keep your camp supplies secure at night as there are raccoons in the park who are eager to see if you have any goodies for them. Bathrooms are a short walk from the campsites and have nice showers that were clean and tidy.

Koreshan State park is also home to a Farmers market every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m in the historic settlement area. Come for the day or spend a few. Weddings are also hosted here if you are looking for a beautiful location in South Florida. Open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sunset. $5 per vehicle and $26 a night to camp plus a reservation fee. For more information or to make a reservation you can click here.

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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Spring is the perfect time to get out and explore Florida and we have a lot of interesting places to see! Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park located in Cross Creek, is one of them! Cross Creek is located between Orange Lake and Lochloosa lake, not too far off the major highways 441 and I-75. The park gets it's name from the famous author who called Cross Creek her home and wrote about it in her book "The Yearling". The subsequent movie was also filmed there. This historic homestead has been wonderfully preserved and really gives you a look at life in Florida back then.

Marjorie moved to Cross Creek to find inspiration for her writing and wrote many books about the area around Cross Creek. When you visit the State Park you can tour the grounds which all look just like it did when the author lived there. For a little extra you can take a guided tour of her house and see a little bit closer how she lived. I had visited the park both with and without touring the house and I would suggest you go ahead and take the time for it.

After you've spent the time exploring the grounds and seeing all the interesting things it has to offer you'll probably be hungry! Head on down the road to the restaurant named after the famous book. The Yearling serves an amazing hamburger, or you can go for something a little more exotic like Alligator tail! Listen to the blues played live while you eat and reflect on your day. You can check out my review on The Yearling restaurant here.

The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is only $3.00 per group or car. You'll need exact change as it's pay by honor box. The guided tour is extra and is $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child. The park is open year round however tours only run October-July. Check their website for more information and hours here. The park is located at 18700 S. CR 325 in Cross Creek, Florida.

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