Florida Guide > State Parks
HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK
Highlands Hammock State Park is situated 4 miles west of Sebring, just off the U. S. 27, on Hammock Rd.
At one time, this land was about to be used for farming, however, some local people who were concerned about the enviroment clubbed together to buy the acres to preserve it. In 1935, it became the first of 4 State Parks in Florida. The lands were worked on by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Recently, about $275, 000 has been spent providing an inter active visitor experience with a video area, lots of information and you can also listen to some of Roosevelts fireside chats on a vintage radio.
A hammock is defined as a fertile area that is higher than its surroundings and it also has hard wood vegetation. Here also is cypress, swamp and a botanical garden.
You can take an informative tour on a tram and go turtle or alligator spotting. These take place on saturdays and sundays at 1. p. m. and 2. 30. pm and tuesday to friday at 1. p. m. only, so time your visit carefully. These tours cost $4 with concessions for children. It is always wise to check that the times and days have not changed before setting out for the park.
The trails here are truly wonderful and you can take your pick between easy short trails or those of several miles. Here you look out for gopher tortoise. alligators, turtles and wood pigeon; they are veritably teeming with anilmals and bird life. This is truly the best way to see the "real" Florida!
The children are not left out since there are no fewer that 3 playgrounds offering monkey bars, swings, slides, fire mans poles and tunnels. When they have worked up an appetite you can stop for lunch or a snack at the Hammock Inn. On friday evenings there is a fish fry here with live music so that would make a great evening out.
There are frequent special events here ranging from concerts to guided walks. Phone 863 386 6094 to find out whats on.
I think you will find enough at this State Park to entertain you all day; however there are several nearby parks including Lake Manatee, Kissimme Prairie Reserve and Lake Kissimme. Your ranger will advise you on the best park for your group. While you are at the ranger station, do ask for a State Park book, these detail all of the State Parks
Highlands Hammock State Park
5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Florida 33872
Phone: 863-386-6094
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