Cool air, the sound of dripping water, a visual array of mystifying stalactites, stalagmites, flow-stones and draperies – this is what greets visitors when they explore the otherworldly depths of Florida Caverns. Florida Caverns is located at 3345 Caverns Rd in Marianna, Florida. For more information, click here.
Florida Caverns offers visitors a rarity in the state, a chance to explore stunning caves. While moving between the large underground rooms, one can observe the many chisel marks made by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers. These hard-working men enlarged the cave passageways by hand so visitors could stand upright during the guided tours. They also built the park’s spacious visitor center.
Florida Caverns State Park provides the opportunity to explore some of Florida’s amazing geological features. The park is located along the Chipola River in Jackson County where limestone formations that are more than 30 million years old are exposed. It is the only state park in Florida where visitors can take a guided tour through a large cave system and see spectacular examples of cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone.
In addition to the numerous caves that are located within the park, other geologic features of interest include sinkholes, limestone bluffs and springs. These features were created over geologic time through a process called dissolution.
As you walk through the cave you will see some of the fossil remains of the creatures that once lived in the ancient seas. Sea biscuits, sand dollars, clams and small, disk-shaped creatures are exposed in the walls of the caves as well as the teeth of giant sharks! The fossils within the limestone help geologists tell how old these formations are and help us understand how Florida’s environment has changed over millions of years. As you explore the karst features within the park it is important to understand how long it has taken for these unique features to form and how fragile some of the cave formations are.
The day-use portion of Florida Caverns State Park is open daily, 8 a.m. until sunset. Cavern tours are offered seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission to the park is just $5 per car. Cave tours are $10.75 per person for adults and $5 per child. Tours last about an hour, and there is a year round temperature of 65 degrees within the cave.
Following extensive repairs from hurricane Michael, the 38 site campground at Florida Caverns has reopened for both recreational vehicles and tents. There is a $20 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.
The park also features, cycling, hiking and horseback riding trails throughout. There is also boating, paddling, and swimming opportunities as well. This article only scratches the service for what this park has to offer, I highly suggest you take a visit for yourself!
For more great locations in Florida, click here. If your looking for nearby lodging, click here. For a list a family activities, click here. Pictures used in this article are owned by the Florida Parks Department.
