FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 22, 2017

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Florida State Parks are Open for Thanksgiving 

~Give thanks with family and friends at one of your local state parks~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection invites residents and visitors to spend quality time with family and friends at a local state park this Thanksgiving. While many businesses around the state are closed for the holiday, Florida’s 175 state parks are open from 8 a.m. to sunset on Thursday, Nov. 23, offering an abundance of family-friendly activities in Florida's beautiful outdoors. 

"Holidays are the perfect time to introduce out-of-town visitors to our award-winning state parks and trails," said Florida State Parks Assistant Director Chuck Hatcher. "I encourage everyone to consider stopping by a park this Thanksgiving to enjoy the Florida sunshine and work off some of their holiday feast by hiking, biking, fishing or swimming." 

Additionally, many parks are hosting special events through the weekend:

• Colt Creek State Park is hosting its annual Black Friday Turkey Trek on Friday, Nov. 24, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Skip the crowds and shopping frenzy this year, and walk off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Green Swamp. 
• Check out Manatee Springs State Park for Clay Landing Days, a living history event, Nov. 24-25. Covered Wagon Rides will take visitors along the North Trail with a stop at the Seminole Chickee Hut where Settlers and Seminoles will let you see what life was once like in the Clay Landing area.
• Join a park ranger for a hike into the St Joseph Peninsula State Park Wilderness Preserve to observe an active American Bald Eagle nest on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 2-3:30 p.m. The hike is approximately 1.5 miles and is moderate in difficulty.

To find an event at a park near you, click here. 

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

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