In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and a journey into the past can be the perfect remedy. Florida offers some of the most captivating hikes that not only showcase its natural beauty but also transport you back in time. The hikes highlighted below lead you to fascinating ruins that hold pieces of the state’s history, allowing you to connect with its rich heritage. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast or just looking to escape for a day, these trails featuring historical remnants make for an ideal hiking experience in the Sunshine State. So, when you’re planning your next adventure in Florida, consider exploring these scenic routes steeped in history.
1. Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
Crystal River Archaeological State Park, located in Crystal River, provides an insight into a significant chapter of local history. For centuries, this site welcomed thousands of Native Americans who came for trading and ceremonial practices. Spanning across 61 acres, the park features various structures including temple mounds, platform mounds, burial mounds, and a central plaza, which were utilized over a period of 1,600 years. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations in Florida.
2. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Ormond Beach
The plantation and its sugar mill were set ablaze by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. Built from coquina, these remnants include what was formerly Florida’s largest sugar mill. Visitors to the park can wander through the ruins and discover an open-air museum that showcases artifacts unearthed at this historic site.
3. Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West
The garden’s vibrant growth has enveloped the decaying Civil War fort, creating an aura of a hidden and hallowed space. Bursting with an array of exotic flora, such as vivid orchids and towering banyan trees, the garden sits directly on the shoreline, offering stunning vistas of the ocean’s expanse.
4. Egmont Key State Park, St. Petersburg
At Egmont Key State Park, visitors have the opportunity to discover the historical remains of Fort Dade, constructed in the early 1900s in response to fears surrounding the Spanish-American War. This fortification featured brick pathways, electrical power, a hospital, a movie theater, and even a jail, catering to a community of over 300 residents. However, after its deactivation in 1923, Fort Dade transformed into a ghost town and eventually became the headquarters for the Tampa Bay Pilots Association.
5. Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, Marianna
The Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, located just outside of Marianna, holds the distinction of being the oldest bridge of this type in Florida. It is also the backdrop for one of the state’s most intriguing ghost stories. Legend has it that the spirit of a young woman, who was laid to rest in the vicinity, is said to wander the bridge. Witnesses have reported sightings of her spirit as either a shadowy figure on the bridge or as a glowing orb that drifts through the nearby swamp.
6. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden, Port Orange
The remnants of the historic sugar mill at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden have drawn visitors since 1939. In 1948, the site briefly hosted a small amusement park known as Bongoland, named after a baboon that resided there. In addition to the baboon, Bongoland featured a collection of life-sized concrete dinosaurs, delighting guests during its short existence. Ultimately, the park was closed, and the area was transformed into the beautiful botanical gardens that are enjoyed by visitors today.
7. Indian Key State Historic Site, Islamorada
Indian Key State Historic Site, located on a small island close to Islamorada, was once a bustling community featuring residences, a hotel, a store, and a post office. Today, it stands as a ghost town, with only the remnants of cisterns and deteriorating foundations remaining. During the Second Seminole War in 1840, the island was the target of an Indian raid that resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals. While 70 other residents managed to flee, the attackers set fire to all of Indian Key’s structures, leaving the area in ruins.