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Florida Caverns State Park Visitor Center

Discover Florida's underground wonders at the gateway to the state's only air-filled cave system, a testament to nature and the CCC's legacy.

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The Florida Caverns State Park Visitor Center serves as the gateway to a unique natural and historical experience, offering insights into the park's stunning cave system and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Here, visitors can learn about the geology, ecology, and history of the caverns before embarking on guided tours or exploring the park's other attractions [5, 6].

A brief summary to Florida Caverns State Park Visitor Center

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure your spot on a cave tour, as they often sell out [3, 6].
  • Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction for the cave tour, as the walkways can be slippery and include stairs and slopes [7].
  • Explore the visitor center's museum and video tour to learn about the caverns' history, geology, and ecology before your tour [5, 6].
  • Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic spots after your cave tour or hike [13].
  • Check out the Blue Hole Spring for a refreshing swim after exploring the caves and trails [4, 14].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Marianna, head north on State Road 166 (Caverns Road) for approximately 3 miles. The Florida Caverns State Park entrance will be on your left. After entering the park, follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Parking is available near the visitor center. Park entrance fee is $5 per vehicle [3, 4].

  • Walking

    From the Florida Caverns State Park Campground, follow the paved path towards the main park area. The Visitor Center is a short walk from the campground, approximately 0.5 miles. Follow the signs within the park to reach the Visitor Center. There are no additional costs for this final approach.

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Discover more about Florida Caverns State Park Visitor Center

The Florida Caverns State Park Visitor Center is more than just an information hub; it's an immersive introduction to the wonders of Florida's only state park with air-filled caves [5, 6]. Completed in 1942 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the visitor center itself is a historical artifact, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of the New Deal-era workers [5, 8]. Inside, a walk-through museum and large-screen video tour provide a comprehensive overview of the caverns' formation, the diverse ecosystem they support, and the cultural history of the area [5, 6]. Exhibits display cultural and natural resource information, including archaeological discoveries of pottery and even mammoth footprints, predating European settlement [6, 9]. You can also learn about the CCC's work in developing the park, from hand-chiseling cave passageways to constructing the visitor center and other facilities [3, 9]. Before heading underground, take some time to explore the visitor center's exhibits and learn about the cave's unique features, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other formations [3, 5]. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on park activities, including cave tours, hiking trails, camping, and swimming in the Blue Hole Spring [2, 4]. The gift shop offers souvenirs and tour tickets, though it's recommended to arrive early, as tours often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays [3, 6].

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