When I got this great idea of touring the Florida State Parks I knew some would totally excite the kids and others would well, just be a stop to check off my list. I decided to start with Bulow State Park, the one with the Fairchild Oak. It was free to get in and offered nature trails.
We got there and I was a little surprised. Very small parking lot and thankfully a bathroom! Really no one around. The first thing we saw was the Oak. It was stunning and huge! One of the biggest trees we had ever seen. The kids were impressed but then quickly asked "what's next?"
There were several nature trails you could walk. We decided on the shortest one. It was very thick and very muddy. When we got done I was so glad I had brought towels and sheets for my car. As we were leaving many people were starting to filter in and most there to bike or hike, all armed with mosquito repellent and walking sticks. Probably way more prepared to hike than we were.
All in all, it was a very peaceful place if you like quiet. Definitely would not keep the interest of my little ones for long. No play ground :)
After that I decided to drive over to the other Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park . Now that place was beautiful. To get to it you had to drive down a one lane road thru woods. When we finally arrived it was just lovely. The cost to enter was $4.00 for a car and it is the honor system. We were greeted by a Ranger to answer any questions and give us general information. The kids immediately spotted the water.
Such a lovely spot by the Bulow Creek. I could have sat there for hours enjoying the peace and quiet and the stunning view. But, we had to keep moving. We started towards the ruins and saw different animal tracks, which fascinated the kids. We took the nature trail to the ruins, which was really nice and dry. A wide path that was about 1/4 mile long. Kids enjoyed the walk.
I think my oldest son enjoyed the ruins the most. So much history. Lots of information to read around the ruins to tell you what it is all about. There was also a small museum with artifacts that had been dug up around the ruins and a canoe that had been built, all behind glass, of course. There were also some more nature trials but they were close to the creek and very muddy so I decided not to venture down that path.
We walked the road back to the Ranger station and saw deer tracks and heard lots of "things" scurrying around to keep our attention. All in all, this was very enjoyable park. Very relaxing and enjoyable on a crisp, sunny Florida day.
Planning our next stop soon!
