State Park #8: Wekiwa Spring State Park & 10 Other Florida Natural Springs

Florida has more to offer than just theme parks.  While the theme parks create a lot of excitement, your family may want a break from the crowds and high costs.  Save a day from your vacation for some natural entertainment.  You don't need to drive far from Orlando.  Only 20 miles from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park has an amazing emerald green spring fed freshwater pool for old time fun.

Patricia Schultz's book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die features Wekiwa Springs State Park as part of Florida's Natural Springs, "In Apopka, 7,800 Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, only 20 minutes northwest Orlando, but 1,000 miles away in spirit.  The Wekiwa spring ("bubbling water" in Creek) offers swimming and snorkeling, while the river it feeds is popular for canoeing and kayaking below a lush canopy of trees."

No matter the time of year, you'll cool down at the freshwater pool.  The spring expels approximately 43 million gallons of water per day.  The water temperature measures at approximately 72 degrees year-round.  Despite the popularity, you'll find plenty of room to swim.  The pool has over a half-acre area for swimming.

You'll also find space around the pool for your family to relax.  If you plan ahead, bring a picnic.  Otherwise, the park has a concession stand open 9AM-5PM.

I could only relax for so long, so I took up hiking.  Considered the most diverse parks in Florida, I easily saw many types of trees and animals.  The park has 25 miles of trails.  I took a boardwalk trail which led me to their canoe rental station.  

You can rent canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for a reasonable cost (respectively $35, $35-40, $40, per two hours).  The short trip to Wekiva Island takes 1.5 hours round-trip.  However, the island has a bar (Tooting Otter) and other amusements such as volleyball, so factor that into your time.  Wekiva River is 16 miles.  You can take longer trips such as the Otter camp and back.  The National Wild and Scenic River System created by Congress in 1968 and signed into law by Lyndon Johnson protects these rivers.  Wekiva River is one of only two Florida rivers Federally designated 'Wild and Scenic Rivers'.  Enjoy the beauty!

I've heard some campers choose to drive outside Wekiwa Springs State Park and begin their canoe trip from Weikiva Island to the State Park.  This begins the trip paddling with the current.  Weikiva Island is privately owned and charges $2/person entry fee.  Their watercraft rents by the day and varies (canoes $50, kayak $45-55, and paddlebaord $55).  If you time it right, you could paddle during the day and listen to live music at a Friday or Saturday night at Tooting Otter.

A few tips:

- The pool does not have a lifeguard.  It also has signs to watch for alligators.  There's been no recorded attacks - yet.

- You should not swim in the river.  It's known for alligator sightings.  Otters are also active in the morning.  I'd rather see the otters.

- You should arrive early.  It opens at 8AM.  Given the proximity to Orlando and low cost ($6/vehicle), you could encounter long lines just to enter the park.  Plus, if you want to camp, the policy is first come, first serve.

- You can rent a locker near the pool.

I'm mesmerized by the crystal clear water and I've been to other springs in Florida including Homosassa Springs, Weeki Wachee SpringsPark, and Crystal River.  Here's 10 places to visit Florida springs other than Wekiwa Spring State Park:

1.  Wakulla Spring State Park

2.  Juniper Springs Silver Springs

3.  Rainbow Spring State Park 

4.  Madison Blue Springs State Park

5.  Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park (Fort White, FL)

6.  Ginnie Springs High Springs

7.  Fanning Springs

8.  Devil's Den Willison

9.  Blue Springs (Gilchrist) High Springs

10.  Blue Spring State Park (north of Orlando)

History Lesson #10: Fort Mackinac in Michigan

Cannons ready at Fort Mackinac

If you want to visit one of the best-preserved military forts in the country, you need to take a ferry to an island and walk, bike, or hike to the fort.  You can't drive a car on Mackinac Island.  Every aspect will take you back in time.  It sounds like a travel challenge, but the nature, views, and history make it worth the effort.  Besides learning history at Fort Mackinac, you can't beat the views.  Located on 150 foot bluffs, you look over the idyllic island and beautiful blue water.  I don't often repeat vacation spots, but this one I've visited three times - as a child, a couple, and a parent.  Each time I learn more.

If you read my article on Fort Michilmackinac, this article moves you forward in history.  You also know that you can buy a season pass that covers admission to both sites.  As a recap, the British felt threatened by having a vulnerable fort location in Mackinac along the shore, so they dismantled their buildings and reassembled the buildings on Mackinac Island.  Although the location change, the name remained the same.  

The British only relinquished the fort 15 years after Americans won the Revolutionary War.  The British captured the fort during the War of 1812.  The Americans tried to regain the fort during the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island, but the British defeated them.  The Americans successfully occupied the fort in 1815 aft the Treaty of Ghent.

Kids enjoy view 

In the move from the fur trading to tourist island, the military changed duties and became park rangers of the second U.S. National Park after Yellowstone.  In 1895, ownership transferred from the U.S. government to Michigan State property and it became part of Mackinac Island State Park.

When you arrive, make sure to check out the schedule and give yourself a couple hours.  It's some of the interactive demonstrations and interpreter stories that make it most interesting for kids.  Take the tour.  You'll stroll along and hear new stories.  For example, internet stories tell you the government built the canteen to make the fort desirable.  Our guide told us the soldiers caused too much trouble drinking in town and the canteen kept the loud entertainment within the walls.  Besides watching riffles fire and music play, interpreters taught our entire family old fashioned games in the lawn.

I also recommend eating at the Tea Room within the fort for added historical experience and possibly the best views on the island.  The Tea Room utilizes the Officers Stone Quarters, the oldest public building in Michigan, which workers restored as part of the WPA program.  While you'll likely pay more than normal for a sandwich, part of the profit supports the Mackinac State Historic Parks.  Since the restaurant was operated by the Grand Hotel, we also gained admission to the Grand Hotel.  Grand Hotel entrance prices rose, so this deal may not still hold - check when entering.

Photo by Krenda

Teaching games in the lawn

Animal Lesson #4: 5 Elk Viewing Spots

May you enjoy animals close up, not just on tv.  If you time your visit the right place at the right time, you can hear the elk bugle, a distinctive deep sound followed by a squeal.  I was fortunate to have a trip to Estes Park during this Sept.-Oct. season and an adventurous co-worker, so we woke up early to hear the elk in the Rocky Mountain National Park. 

I took the above photo at the Yellowstone National Park.  National Geographic's 100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life lists Yellowstone National Park as a must see site, "To maximize your child's wildlife spotting, Gafney suggest investing in some high-powered binoculars and heading to Haden Valley and Lamar Valley for a day devoted to animals."  My family found the most elk in the Mammoth area (North side) where they wandered among the campground lawns.  The kids favorite memories were the animals in the park.  Here's 5 more places you can take your kids to see elk:

1.  Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Elk were released in 2001 and now there's 140 elk in the area.  Besides elk, visit the 9 historic buildings.  If you need a nearby cabin, contact me or check out Lightning Bug Lodge or Indigo Moon Lodge.

2.  Ponca Elk Center in Ponca, AR
Drive into the Boxley Valley near the Buffalo National River, elk were re-introduced and now there's nearly 450 elk along the river.  Visit the center for education; open 5 days a week (closed Tue/Wed); free admission.

3.  Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, PA
Learn at the center which opened in 2010.  Most people drive to Winslow Hill with viewing areas and off road parking.  If you want to camp near elk, try Sinnemahoning State Park which has a small herd.

4.  National Elk Refuge, near Jackson, WY
Approx. 5,000 elk in the area.  Check for events.  Elk Fest antler auction in April.  Horse drawn rides Dec.- April for $20 in 2014.

5.  Utah - Logan Canyon, Mount Nebo, Mount Timpanogos
Population exploded and has reached 63,879 elk in the state.

State Park #1: Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls NY - science of whirlpools

Natural whirlpools happen when water rotates from opposing currents.  It can look like a spinning hole.  Opposing force is created by the pressure of the surrounding water.  Pressure greater under the water than on the surface makes the whirlpool widest at the top. 
     Our family visited the Niagara Falls whirlpool in Whirlpool State Park to see the Class 6 whitewater rapids and whirlpool.  The narrow width of the gorge, rapid descent of the river, and volume of water combine for the fast moving water.  Just a short drive from Niagara Falls National Park (separate article) and you can easily see the swirling water from a street level scenic overlook.
   
     We also watched an aero cars travel across the river.  Since we had our baby on the trip, we didn't take a ride.  However, research shows that the ride has a reputation of safety.  While the ride takes you 250 feet above rapids moving 22 to 23 mph, the car only travels at 4.3 mph and takes only ten minutes to cross.  The famous Spanish engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo designed the Whirlpool Aero Car, the first of it's kind, and it opened in 1916.  Upgraded many times and there's never been an accident or injury.  A rescue car exists, but employees have never used it with the public.  Due to the international border line location mid river, the ride takes you to another country in only ten minutes. If you buy a Niagara Wonder Pass for $25 online, you can visit multiple sites including Niagara's Fury, Journey Behind the Falls, and the Butterfly Conservatory.  Aero car operates March to November.

Even if you don't take the ride, enjoy the nature.  The 109-acre park includes a moderate hiking level 5.5 mile loop trail named the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail and Whirlpool Rapids Trail.  Take the stairs down to the Whirlpool Rapids Trail to walk closer to the river.  You'll notice the green/blue water color.  The mineral-rich waters are environmentally friendly for algae growth which combine with dissolved limestone, shale, and sandstone to create vibrant color.

You can use a whirlpool science kit to teach or you can visit a real whirlpool.  According to smashinglists.com "Top 10 Places to See Whirlpools", Europe and North America have great whirlpool examples:
1.  Saltstraumen, Norway
World's most powerful whirlpool or maelstrom (Nordic word for whirlpool) near town of Bodo
2.  Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
Located at the Niagara Falls River and includes a "reversal phenomenon" in which water enters the pool and then travels counter-clockwise around the pool when enough water
3.  Dviete, Latvia
Daugava River has impressive vortex
4.  Te Aumiti, New Zealand
Located between Admiralty Bay and Tasman Bay
5.  Skookunchuck Narrows, Canada
Viewing platform from National Park
6.  Charybdis, Italy
View from the coast of Sicily
7.  Corryvreckan, Scotland
Third-largest whirlpool between the islands of Jura and Scarba
8. Mostraumen, Norway
2nd strongest whirlpool and located in the sea instead of a river
9.  Old Sow, USA and Canada
Biggest whirlpool in Western Hemisphere and makes a screeching noise.  View from Eastport, Maine or near Deer Island, New Brunswick
10.  Naruto, Japan
Use the Uzu No Michi walkway suspended below the Onaruto Bridge.  Time it right because it only occurs every six hours