History & Nature
The 10,500-acre park is named for Jonathan
Dickinson, a Quaker merchant whose vessel
shipwrecked nearby in 1696. His book, God’s
Protecting Providence, records the story of his
party’s capture by the Jobe (Hoe-Bay) Indians
and their release and journey up the coast to St.
Augustine. Victims of war and disease, these
native people died off shortly thereafter.
During World War II, the land the park now
occupies was home to Camp Murphy, a top-secret
radar training school with over 6,600 men. The
land became a state park in 1950.
Far upriver is the Trapper Nelson Interpretive
Site, the restored homestead of a man who came
to this area in the 1930s and lived off the land,
trapping and selling furs. He became famous as
the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” opening his
“Trapper’s Jungle Gardens and Wildlife Zoo” to
the public.
About 20 percent of the park is covered in coastal
sand pine scrub, a biological community so rare
it has been designated “globally imperiled.” More
rare and endangered species, like the Florida
scrub-jay, Florida mouse and gopher frog, are
found in the scrub than in the rest of the park
combined.
The Loxahatchee River winds slowly through
the park, passing under a canopy of centuries old cypress trees. This river was designated as
Florida’s first “National Wild and Scenic River”
in 1985.
Wildlife found in the park includes deer, raccoons,
foxes, bobcats, opossums, alligators and otters.
Over 140 species of birds have been identified
here, making Jonathan Dickinson an excellent
Real Fun in Blue Springs Florida state park
The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and
Research Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Its exhibit hall uses interactive displays and
panels to interpret the natural and cultural features
of the park. A variety of programs are offered.
Two family campgrounds are available. One is
located a short distance from the ranger station,
the other four miles into the park, near the
Loxahatchee River. Primitive youth group sites
and equestrian sites are also available. Twelve
rental cabins are situated near the river, and
may be reserved through Reserve America.
The
park’s concessionaire rents canoes, kayaks,
motorboats and bicycles and offers tours of the
Loxahatchee aboard the Loxahatchee Queen
II. Please call them directly at (561) 746-1466 for
more information about these popular tours.
A picnic area with four pavilions and a
playground borders the Loxahatchee. Three of
the pavilions may be reserved, and the fourth is
available first-come, first-served.
An old-fashioned
“swimming hole” is located along the river, just
east of the concession store.
Four nature trails and off-road and paved
bicycle trails offer opportunities to experience
wild Florida. Horse trails are available for those
bringing their own mounts. A network of hiking
trails, maintained by the Florida Trail Association,
leads to primitive campsites.
The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower offers
commanding views of the park, the Intracoastal
Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Hobe Mountain,
an ancient sand dune, rises 86 feet above sea
level, making it the highest natural point of land in
South Florida.
Nature walks and evening campfire programs
are offered. In addition, tours are given regularly at
the Trapper Nelson Interp etive
Park Guidelines
• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year
• An entrance fee is required.
• The collection, destruction or disturbance of
plants, animals or park property is prohibited.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet
and well behaved at all times.
• Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.
• Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in
designated areas only.
• Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station.
• For information about joining the Friends
of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, call
(561) 744-9814.
• For camping information, contact Reserve
America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL
or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.
com.
• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing
equal access to all facilities and programs.
Should you need assistance to enable your
participation, please contact the ranger station
birding destination.
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