Kelly Park reveals Orange’s geological past: a spring emerges there from limestone containing fossils from 17 million years ago. At the same time, tubing is one of the activities at Kelly Park/Rock Springs. In 2016, Kelly Park received a state historical marker. Nature, recreation, and history come together here, although a single visit need not cover all these facets.
Forests, Trails, and Wildlife
A hiking trail through Moss Park leads to Split Oak Forest. There, a network of trails and unpaved roads offers opportunities for wildlife watching; the edges of the wetlands provide places to observe wading birds. These different routes draw attention both to the forest and to its wetter habitats. Parts of Split Oak Forest were once used for turpentine production and cattle ranching—a historical dimension of the landscape that exists alongside today’s nature watching.
Moss Park has tent and RV campsites. The park area therefore brings together several amenities, while Split Oak Forest is accessible via the hiking trail. Those interested in birdwatching will find a specific point of interest at the edges of the wetlands; those who would rather explore different routes can follow the network of trails and unpaved roads.
Environment and History at Lake Apopka
At Magnolia Park, the Lovell’s Landing State Historic Marker stands on the shore of Lake Apopka. The park also offers topics for visitors who want to learn more about the area, including pollinators, the history of fishing and fish in Lake Apopka, alligators and their habitat, and the birds that live there or pass through. How sunsets form is another topic. The nature education here thus encompasses animals and habitats as well as history and natural phenomena.
The Tibet-Butler Preserve offers another approach to environmental education. The preserve is home to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, with various exhibits and displays, and offers ongoing environmental programs. The exhibits and programs complement outdoor observation. Those interested in nature can therefore explore Orange through a range of topics—from birds and pollinators to waterways and landscape history.
Trails and Activities in Orange County
Orange County has 100 parks, trails, and facilities. Its park and trail network offers opportunities for biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, camping, and canoeing. One specific example is the West Orange Trail, with 22.32 miles of paved trail. A butterfly garden is located at the trail’s Tildenville outpost. The length, paved surface, and garden are different points of reference: they give you an idea of the details you can expect along the trail without specifying a walking or riding time.
Orlando: Science, Art, and Urban Green Space
Nature and culture also go hand in hand in Orlando. At Lake Eola Park, a 0.9-mile walking path circles the lake; pedal-powered swan boats are also available to rent there. Those interested in gardens will find a 50-acre botanical oasis at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Most paths there are paved—a helpful point of reference when choosing a garden visit.
The Orlando Science Center offers a different focus: interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on science activities make science the centerpiece of a visit. The AdventHealth SunRail station is just a short walk from the Orlando Science Center. For art, the Orlando Museum of Art offers a diverse permanent collection and changing exhibitions featuring art from around the world. The collection of ancient American art spans an especially long history: it covers more than 3,000 years of artistic achievements by Indigenous nations from North, Central, and South America.
Orange’s offerings range from springs and wildlife watching to trails and environmental education, as well as science, gardens, and art collections. You can plan your stay around the topics that interest you most and treat the different places and offerings as individual discoveries.
Explore more destinations: Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Apopka, Lake Buena Vista, Windermere, Bay Lake, Zellwood, Christmas, Doctor Phillips, Lake Hart, Tangelo Park, Lake Butler
For the main travel overview: Florida.
