Many locals don’t know about this oasis hidden in Tampa’s suburbs, one of Central Florida’s only botanical gardens, home to a huge collection of ferns.
Concealed at the end of a small road next to an airport, Eureka Springs Regional Park is a bit hard to find, making it that much more special for those who visit. The park was established in 1938 by Albert Greensburg, a local botanist and explorer who wanted to bring a selection of the world’s flowering plants and ferns back to his beloved home. Donated to the county in 1967, the park is the area’s only botanical garden and one of its most beautiful parks. Venture out for a walk through its steamy, jungle-like atmosphere.
Set out along the 1,700-foot (500-meter) boardwalk that snakes over the swampy ground, bringing visitors past Greensburg’s prized collection. Read the small plaques to learn about the trees and ferns. Visit often to see how the foliage and plants change as the water levels and temperatures rise and fall seasonally.
Watch for the birds, lizards and insects that find homes in the plant life. Take refuge from the sun under the cypress, maple and oak trees that stretch out over the walkway or simply examine the beautifully shaped leaves of the tupelo trees. Breathe in the scents of the rose garden and examine the delicate structures of the orchid collection. Bring a lunch and eat it at the picnic tables as you appreciate the incredible lushness of the surroundings.
Find Eureka Springs Regional Park northeast of Downtown Tampa, directly abutting Tampa Executive Airport. Drive from the Tampa Convention Center in 20 minutes or from Tampa Union Station, with rail connections, in 15 minutes. Reach the park from Tampa International Airport in 23 minutes by car. Parking is available in a small on-site lot, with a nominal fee that also serves as an admission fee. No public transportation connections serve the area. The park has no official hours. As the site has no artificial lighting, it is best to visit during the day.
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