| There's a lot to do in Orlando, with tons of attractions | | | | pit, and can be reserved, for a fee, from October |
| and entertainment options, but many of these activities | | | | through March. Contact the park office for details. |
| are quite pricey. If you are in Orlando and looking for a | | | | Of course if you are in Florida you have to swim as |
| great family outing that won't dent your budget, then | | | | much as you can. The park offers swimming and |
| you should plan to spend some time at the Blue Spring | | | | scuba-diving in a crystal clear, 72 degree spring run. |
| State Park, in Orange City Florida. Here you can camp, | | | | Scuba-divers must register at the entrance station |
| swim, hike, canoe and get a close up look at the | | | | between the hours of 8 AM. And 3 PM, with an |
| Manatees. | | | | up-to-date certification card and a partner. Swimming |
| Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large, gentle | | | | or diving with the manatees is NOT permitted.. |
| aquatic mammals that have been associated in | | | | If you want to spend more than a day at the park, you |
| popular folklore with mermaids. Located on the St. | | | | can take advantage of cabin rentals, full facility |
| Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is a designated | | | | camping or primitive camping. |
| Manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run | | | | Blue Spring State Park offers six , two bedroom |
| remain a constant 72 degrees; creating a safe haven | | | | cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace |
| for the West Indian Manatee. Manatees seek out the | | | | (available for use November through March), central |
| 72-degree warmth of Blue Spring when winter chills | | | | heating and air conditioning, bathroom, fully equipped |
| the St. Johns River. | | | | kitchen (stove and refrigerator), screened in porch, |
| You can watch these endangered mammals from a | | | | outdoor grill and picnic table. Linen, pillows, blankets and |
| boardwalk along the spring run. Best viewing is in the | | | | towels, cooking and eating utensils are also provided. |
| morning or late afternoon. In November the first of the | | | | Reservations may be made up to 11 months in |
| migratory West Indian Manatees arrive. Once the | | | | advance by calling ReserveAmerica, toll-free, at 1-800 |
| manatees have arrived the park offers a daily | | | | 326-3521 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm), 1-888-433-0287 (TDD) |
| interpretive program for visitors | | | | (For Hearing Disabled.) |
| As interesting as the manatees are, the park offers | | | | You can also take advantage of the park's full facility |
| many other great activities. If you enjoy canoeing and | | | | camping. There are 51 campsites, which are located in |
| kayaking, then you can canoe along the beautiful Blue | | | | the sand pine scrub. Available to each site is a table, |
| Spring Run and the St Johns River. Canoes may be | | | | water, electricity, and a grill. There is no sewage |
| rented at the Park Concession. | | | | facilities at these sites, but there is a dump station in |
| There are also boat tours down the St. John's River. | | | | the Park. Pets are permitted in camping area, with |
| The two-hour tours are offered daily at 10:00 AM and | | | | proof of rabies vaccination. Reservations may be |
| 1:00 PM. The trip is a narrated nature and ecological | | | | made up to 11 months in advance by calling |
| cruise which lets you see the real Florida. For fees and | | | | ReserveAmerica, toll-free, at 1-800 326-3521 (8:00 am |
| reservations, you can call these numbers: 407.330.1612, | | | | to 8:00 pm), 1-888-433-0287 (TDD) (For Hearing |
| 386.917.0724. | | | | Disabled.) |
| Do you like hiking? Then the park's nature trails will be | | | | If you are more adventurous you can try the primitive |
| of interest to you. The same pristine beauty enjoyed | | | | camping option. Primitive camping requires a four-mile |
| by Florida's earliest residents still can be seen today. A | | | | hike to and from the site. All food, water and garbage |
| self-guided boardwalk guides visitors through a lush | | | | must be carried in and out. |
| hammock to Blue Spring. | | | | How much does this cost? The park admission fee is |
| You can enjoy some great picnicking at two separate | | | | $5.00 per vehicle. Pedestrians,bicyclists and extra |
| picnic areas in the park. There are covered pavilions | | | | passengers are charged $1.00. The camping fee is |
| with grills located at these areas for larger groups. One | | | | $20.00 (plus tax) per night and the cabin fee is $85. |
| of the picnic areas also has a large covered barbecue | | | | |