Jonathan Dickinson

JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE The 10,500-acre park is named for Jonathan Dickinson, a Quaker merchant whose vessel shipwrecked nearby in 1696. His book, God’s Protecting Providence, records the story of his party’s capture by the Jobe (Hoe-Bay) Indians and their release and journey up the coast to St. Augustine. Victims of war and disease, these native people died off shortly thereafter. During World War II, the land the park now occupies was home to Camp Murphy, a top-secret radar training school with over 6,600 men. The land became a state park in 1950. Far upriver is the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site, the restored homestead of a man who came to this area in the 1930s and lived off the land, trapping and selling furs. He became famous as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee,” opening his “Trapper’s Jungle Gardens and Wildlife Zoo” to the public. About 20 percent of the park is covered in coastal sand pine scrub, a biological community so rare it has been designated “globally imperiled.” More rare and endangered species, like the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse and gopher frog, are found in the scrub than in the rest of the park combined. The Loxahatchee River winds slowly through the park, passing under a canopy of centuries-old cypress trees. This river was designated as Florida’s first “National Wild and Scenic River” in 1985. Wildlife found in the park includes deer, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, opossums, alligators and otters. Over 140 species of birds have been identified here, making Jonathan Dickinson an excellent birding destination. 16450 SE Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455 772- 546-2771 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida state parks. • Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only. • To become a volunteer, inquire at the ranger station. • For information about joining the Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park, call 561-744-9814. • For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521 or 866-I CAMP FL or TDD 888-433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the lodge front desk. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK One of Florida’s largest and most diverse state parks EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Jonathan Dickinson State Park N The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its exhibit hall uses interactive displays and panels to interpret the natural and cultural features of the park. A variety of programs are offered. S n Sou Scrub Jay Primitive Camp Atlantic Ocean Pine Grove Campground inset d A picnic area with four pavilions and a playground borders the Loxahatchee. Three of the pavilions may be reserved, and the fourth is available first-come, firstserved. An old-fashioned “swimming hole” is located along the river, just east of the concession store. E e Hob Two family campgrounds are available. One is located a short distance from the ranger station, the other four miles into the park, near the Loxahatchee River. Primitive youth group sites and equestrian sites are also available. Twelve rental cabins are situated near the river, and may be reserved through Reserve America. The park’s concessionaire rents canoes, kayaks, motorboats and bicycles and offers tours of the Loxahatchee aboard the Loxahatchee Queen II. Please call them directly at (561) 746-1466 for more information about these popular tours. W River Campground inset Florida Trail Hobe Mountain Observation Tower Kitching Creek Primitive Camp Pine Grove Campground Four nature trails and off-road and paved bicycle trails offer opportunities to experience wild Florida. Horse trails are available for those bringing their own mounts. A network of hiking trails, maintained by the Florida Trail Association, leads to primitive campsites. The Hobe Mountain Observation Tower offers commanding views of the park, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune, rises 86 feet above sea level, making it the highest natural point of land in South Florida. Trapper Nelson’s Zoo Historic District Picnic Area Boat Ramp Equestrian Camping Primitive Camping Boating Equestrian Trail Cabins Fishing Camping Hiking Canoeing Parking Youth Camping Concession Parvilions Wildlife Viewing th or Education Center Fo Restrooms tc ha Hiking Trail Bathhouse e he r ve Ri 00237 Rev_11.18 Biking Trail rk xa Located 12 miles south of Stuart on U.S. 1. Bicycling Lo Directions N Nature walks and evening campfire programs are offered. In addition, tours are given regularly at the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site. River Campground Kitching Creek Overlook Swimming Hiking & Biking Trail Equestrian & Hiking & Biking Trail