Florida Caverns State Park

Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox protected area Florida Caverns State Park is a state park of Florida in the United States, part of the Florida State Parks system. It is located in the Florida Panhandle near Marianna. It is the only Florida state park with air-filled caves accessible to the public.<ref name=fcsp>Florida Caverns State Park, Introduction. Florida State Parks.</ref>

The limestone caves in the park have stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstones formed by the erosion of bedrock. Other formations are above ground, including rivers and springs.<ref name=fcsp/>

Florida Caverns State Park and the neighboring golf course were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the New Deal. The park opened in 1942.<ref name=fcsphc>Florida Caverns State Park, History and Culture. Template:Webarchive Florida State Parks.</ref>

Park features

The park is notable for its geological features, a protected area of karst topography.<ref name=fcsphc/> This geology hosts an ecosystem with plants and animals that are adapted to the limestone substrates. The caves and waterways have blind crayfish, bats, salamanders, and other species.<ref name=fcsphc/> Native Americans inhabited the area, and it is a site of archaeological interest.<ref name=fcsphc/>

The park allows nature study, exploring, and sightseeing. The 9-hole golf course is open. Other activities and amenities in the park include camping, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. There is a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and concessions. Rangers conduct several tours daily.<ref name=fcsp/>

Gallery

• Sign at the entrance
  Sign at the entrance
• Caverns
  Caverns
• Blue Hole Spring
  Blue Hole Spring
• Pools of Water
  Pools of Water

External links

• Florida Caverns State Park at Florida State Parks
• Florida Caverns State Park. Stateparks.com.

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