Nature Parks Near Orlando Florida

Orlando Florida--A lot more than Disney lives in Florida. If you're a nature lover, then a visit to Florida is definitely on your list of things to do. The outdoors aspects of Florida are just as awe inspiring as the indoors and with a few extra days you can see some things you're going to remember your whole life.

Just at the head waters of the Wekiva River there is a park that offers you a look at what Florida was like when it was completely raw and unspoiled. When the Timucuan Indians hunted and fished in the area, and canoes floated across the river, you would have seen deer and wildlife aplenty along the rivers edge. That still proves true today, and if you want to take a hike, go horseback riding or canoeing, or even go camping in a primitive camping area, then don't overlook Wekiwa Springs. For rentals such as canoes, you may contact them at (407) 884 4311.

Never thought of Florida as cowboy country? Well think again... The heritage of Florida as a cowboy country comes alive for you in Kissimmee, with living history demonstrations for you to check out. The cow hunters, and a mid 1800's cow camp are part of Kissimmee's historical displays, and along the way you're going to visit with bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys, white tail deer and even bobcats.Spend a day canoeing, fishing or hiking along these beautiful lakes and if you're a real studen of nature, you can spend the entire day, with more than thirteen miles of hiking trails, six miles of which are open to horseback riders. The park is located just off of State Road 60, 15 miles east of Lake Wales.

Homosassa Springs State Park is absolutely one that you don't want to miss on your nature tour of Florida. With red wolves, manatee and a vast array of wildlife in residence, you could spend an entire week here and not see everything that there is to see and do.Homosassa Springs is just one of a very few places where you can see the West Indian manatees, as well as the Whooping Cranes, the very endangered Red wolves, Key Deer, and a Florida panther, all up close and personal in their own habitat. The mommy of the park, a lady river otter is currently spending time with her new pup.

While you're here, spend time on a very lovely pontoon boat as you ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife area, and along your way, watch the herons, the egrets, wood ducks or even the turtles. Every day is a diferent view.

If you think Disney is all there is to Florida, then its time for you to take a second look at all that the state parks and wildlife areas have to offer you. View bird watching pictures.