Hey Tallahassee! Are you looking for a beautiful, fun, educational, and fascinating hike right in your our town? Looking for somewhere new to explore? Or something to do with the kiddos to get that extra energy out? Look no further than a trip to Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park!
Located just two miles north of I-10, off Monroe Street, this hidden Tallahassee gem offers a look back into an age, more than eight centuries ago, when Native Americans inhabited the area around Lake Jackson. The park is on land that is now known as the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. Today the park encompasses four earthen temple mounds, two of which are open to the public, the largest measuring 278 feet by 312 feet and 36 feet high.
The park also contains indications of Florida’s Territorial Period and Early Statehood (1825-1860) when the land was part of a large plantation owned by Colonel Robert Butler.
On our recent visit with my hiking group, we took nine toddlers to explore all this state park had to offer.
We started with a hike on the Butler Mill Trail, located right off the parking lot. This trail is typically a loop, however, part of the trail is closed at the moment so it’s more of an out-and-back. It looks like the trail is closed where the boardwalk over the creek/stream is in need of some repair but there weren’t any signs indicating if/when it would be fixed or the trail would reopen.
The trail is still worth a visit as it takes you through some lovely forest. I wouldn’t say the hike is difficult or strenuous (considering a large group of toddlers managed it), but it’s also not stroller friendly due to a large number of roots traversing the trail.
The trail now deadends at a small stream/creek, and while not the most impressive body of water you’ll come across, it’s still worth a moment to stop and watch the water flow. Or if you’re a kid, throw a few leaves in and watch them float downstream. If you look carefully, you can even see a small Florida-style “waterfall.”
Here’s a video of the stream and “waterfall”
After walking back the way we came (and the kiddos jumping on every downed tree stump from the hurricane), we went to explore the mounds.
The first mound is right off the parking lot and is the smaller of the two mounds. Stairs lead to the top where an observation tower allows visitors to get a birds-eye view of the park and the top of the mound. Spoiler alert: there isn’t anything special on top of the mound – just wildflowers and weeds. But it is fascinating to think about how important this area was to the people who lived here years ago.
The second mound is located past the first and behind the picnic tables and pavilion. You will cross a short bridge over a creek and see the mound in the distance. This set of stairs is taller but was still manageable for the toddlers. Another observation tower sits atop this mound, again providing a pretty neat view of the area.
The park also offers a 2.2-mile nature trail through the forest, but the toddlers weren’t really up for that after all their stair climbing. We’ll have to try that one out next time!
Overall this a great park to spend a few hours, exploring the trails, the mounds, and the area! A great place to enjoy the outdoors and let the kiddos burn off some energy!
Park Information:
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
3600 Indian Mounds Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Open: 8AM until Sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: $3 per vehicle (use the honor box)
Have you been to Lake Jackson Mounds? Any tips or tricks you would pass on?
As always, thanks for stopping by and happy adventuring!
Pin This:
