Fall in Florida State Parks

Fall in Florida State Parks

At Florida's state parks, we are grateful for the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) who, from 1933 to 1942, built facilities at eight parks that became the foundation of our network of parks today. 

Below is the menu from the 1933 Thanksgiving dinner at the Olustee CCC camp.  

Food was served family-style in the mess hall and enrollees served themselves as much food as they wanted. For most, food was scarce at home where each person learned to take a fair portion, depending upon the number of family members who also needed to eat. 

If you feel like you need to get outdoors after your feast, try one of these Florida activities that might be right in your backyard: 

Have you ever had the chance to see a turkey in the wild? Wild turkeys can be seen at many state parks. Most of Florida’s state parks are open for Thanksgiving as they are every day. Whether you are hosting or being hosted, state parks and trails offer great opportunities for getting outside and exploring nature (and maybe walking off that extra slice of pumpkin pie).  

Myakka River State Park

One other fall activity you might consider is a wildflower hike. While nature in other parts of the United States is settling in for the winter, the flora in the south is blooming. If you fancy yourself a photographer, wildflowers make a great subject and a great way to collect memories while leaving no trace and learning more about the worlds in your own back yard!  

St. Marks River Preserve State Park