Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park Santa Fe Zoo
FRIDAY, April 21, 2023
Two visits to the wonders of nature on one route. Devil’s Millhopper is a unique park among Florida State Parks. In the midst of North Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. A stairway of over 200 steps leads to the bottom
Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida's natural history by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells, and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink.
Hours are 9 am – 5 pm, and admission is $4/car. Bring exact change.
The route between Devil’s Millhopper and the zoo, or return to the hotel, has multiple restaurants along NW 39th Ave, that will make for great lunch stops. (Crafty Bastards and One Love are at the second entrance to Magnolia Parke.)
The second adventure is just before crossing I-75 near the Best Western – Santa Fe State College Teaching Zoo. This zoo is part of the only college program in the country leading to a degree in zoo technology. It is located on 10 acres of the college campus with a ¼ mile walking trail through the exhibits of animals. Hours are 9 am – 3 pm.
Admission for adults is $8 with a discount for seniors at $5.
Click on the Otter to View the Route Instructions
GOF South LVII, Best Western, Gainesville, April 20-23, 2023, MG Classics of Jacksonville © 2023
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