Savannas Preserve State Park

Savannas Preserve State Park is home to one of the last remaining stretches of Florida freshwater marsh or savannah that once extended the entire length of Florida's east coast. With more than 10 miles stretching from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach, the preserve is home to endangered plant and animal species that can be found at very few spots in the state.

The park is also the home to Environmental Education Center, one of the state parks unique buildings that houses live native animals, interpretive displays and educational materials that tell the tale of this amazing southeast Florida wildlife and forest preserve.

Canoeing and kayaking is a great way to explore Savannas Preserve State Park. Guided tours are available throughout the year and are led by state park volunteers that know their stuff. Every Thursday morning from 9 AM and Saturdays at 8 AM, two hours tours are given of the surrounding savanna.

During the winter, moonlit paddle trips are organized each month. For more information on guided trips at this awesome Florida state park, call (727)398-2779 for more details. Postponements of the trips are often decided by water levels in the preserve.

Fishing is a popular pastime here at Savannas Preserve State Park. Freshwater fishing is available within the park on the many waterways of the savanna. Fishing is also available from canoe or kayak on the St. Lucie River for both freshwater and saltwater fish species. The canoe launch boardwalk is a great place to fish from the dock. All anglers over the age of 16 must possess a Florida fishing license.

But you don't have to get wet to be able to enjoy all that Savannas Preserve State Park has to offer. Over eight miles of hiking, biking and horse trails are available for guests at the park. The multi-use trails are well maintained and marked for easy travel for the whole family. Pets are welcome too, so long as they are on a handheld leash no longer than eight feet long.

The visitor center at the Environmental Educational Center is a great place to end-or begin your adventure at Savannas Preserve State Park. Live native animals, interpretive displays and other educational material can be found about here about the surrounding wildlife habitat area known as the Treasure Coast. Stop by to get trail maps, learn about the park or talk to a park ranger. The center is free and just a small donation is required to hike the trails of the park.

For more information on directions to the park, fees and hours of operations, visit the official state park website here.