PHOTO BY PAUL CROOK VIA UNSPLASH.COM
Florida is waiving admission fees at most Florida State Parks for Presidents Day weekend, granting visitors four days to get into parks without paying the usual entry charge.
The free-admission window runs Friday, February 13, through Monday, February 16, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The state is framing the promotion as part of the celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary and an observance tied to George Washington’s birthday.
The waiver is day-use only, though, and any overnight visitors will still pay for camping and cabins, plus any special event tickets, concessions, and vendor-operated rentals that normally carry fees. DEP also notes that two sites are excluded from the waiver: Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park.
Visitors can find park locations and plan ahead through Florida State Parks’ website, and should expect larger crowds at popular parks during the holiday weekend.
Here’s a list of many Florida State Parks in and around Central Florida:
- Wekiwa Springs State Park – Popular springs with swimming, hiking, and paddling near Apopka.
- Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park – River access and nature trails.
- Lake Louisa State Park – Lakes, hills, hiking, biking, and paddling near Clermont.
- Rock Springs Run State Reserve – Tubing, wildlife, and boating north of Orlando.
- Blue Spring State Park – Famous winter manatee habitat and spring swimming (seasonal).
- Lake Griffin State Park – Oak forests and river/lake access near Leesburg.
- De Leon Springs State Park – Historic springs and picnic area north of Orlando.
- Hontoon Island State Park – An island park accessed by ferry with trails and water access.
A bit further, but still considered Central Florida:
- Colt Creek State Park – Wildlife viewing, long trails, and wetlands near Lakeland.
- Lake Kissimmee State Park – Lakes, cattle history, camping, and paddling south of Orlando.
- Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park – Scrub habitat and hiking trails.
- Silver Springs State Park – Historic springs and glass-bottom boat tours near Ocala.
- Highlands Hammock State Park – Tall forest, trails, and old-growth oak near Sebring.
- Catfish Creek Preserve State Park / Lake Kissimmee area – Wilderness and water access south of Orlando.
