VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A beloved spring in Central Florida has been recognized as one of the best state parks in the country.
Blue Spring State Park, west of Orange City in Volusia County, was named one of the top 10 most popular state parks in the United States by Google Maps.
The park is renowned for its manatees, kayaking opportunities, and crystal-clear waters, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
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Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Blue Spring State Park staff recently counted a record number of manatees in their waters.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park The park reported 663 at the spring Tuesday, nearly a hundred more than the previous record.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park During manatee season from November through March, manatees are known to seek the park’s warmer spring waters as they depend on warm water to survive.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Manatees were listed as an endangered species beginning in 1966, but their status was changed to threatened in 2017, the AP reported.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Manatees depend on warm water for survival.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park According to Blue Spring State Park, the number of manatees visiting them has grown significantly, from about 36 animals when research began in the 1970s to more than 600 today.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Blue Spring State Park provides underwater and above-water web cameras offering a constant view of manatee activity in the spring.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park More manatees died in Florida in 2021 than ever before.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Some of the coldest temperatures in a year were reported in Central Florida Tuesday morning, attracting more manatees to the warm springs.
Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State Park Blue Spring State Park is an ideal location to release manatees back into the wild after they have been rehabilitated from sickness or injury as they can be easily monitored at the spring and in the surrounding waters.
The spring maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, making it a vital winter refuge for Florida manatees during the peak of winter.
The park features a boardwalk that stretches about 1/3 mile from the St. Johns River to the headspring.
The feature allows visitors the chance to observe manatees without disturbing them.
Manatee viewing at Blue Spring has visitors lined up for miles (WFTV)
Due to the park’s popularity, visitors are advised to plan ahead to ensure they can fully enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities available.
The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, every day of the year. Parking costs $6 per vehicle, and the park can reach capacity on busy days, though visitors with reservations are still admitted.
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