State parks make some of the very best pit stops, as fans of Florida Caverns State Park well know! One of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves, Florida Caverns is the only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public. Accessible to all ages, the cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, and draperies. The park is also popular for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing on the Chipola River, boating, hiking, and bicycling.
Jen of Two Kids and a Map sung its praises in a recent review of attractions along I-10 on Trekaroo: The kids will love the stalactites and stalagmites and the fact that it is dark and spooky! We were a little disappointed in the amount of trash and graffiti at the entrance of the cavern site. I do not know if it has been cleaned up since. The campsites are set in a beautiful part of the woods. The bathroom facilities and the campsites are clean. Make sure you grab the Florida Passport and get it stamped while you are there! Distance off the interstate: 4 miles
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Hours and Admission Prices:
8am until sunset. Cave tours are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. $5 admission fee per vehicle. Camping fee is $20 per night. Cave tour fees are as following:
$8.00 per person, plus tax, age 13 and older
$5.00 per child, plus tax, 3 to 12
Under age 2: free
Food Services:
The park’s concession is located below the historic Visitor Center. Refreshments and souvenirs are available. This is also the location where you can purchase your tickets to go on a cave tour. The Gift Shop is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/
- Phone: 850-482-1228. If you plan on a cave tour, it’s recommended that you call ahead to the Ranger Station before departure to ensure they’re not all sold out!
Directions:
Florida Caverns State Park is located 3 miles north of Marianna, off of U.S. 90 on S.R. 166. From Tallahassee: Take I-10 west to exit 142, turn right on Hwy 71 N to Hwy 90, turn left. Follow brown park signs. From Pensacola: Take I-10 East to exit 136, turn left on Hwy 276 N to Hwy 90, turn right. Follow brown park signs.
Bonus Pitstop:
Nearby in Chipley, Florida is Falling Waters State Park (home of Florida’s tallest waterfall and plenty of cool fern and moss-covered sinkholes)!
