Sandwiched between the Martin County communities of Hobe Sound and Tequesta, you’ll find one of Florida’s finest state parks. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is home to 11,500 acres of various habitats including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves and river swamps. Keep reading for a closer look at this Martin County monument.
History of Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Established in 1950, Jonathan Dickinson State Park has an illustrious history. The park is named after a Quaker merchant who was shipwrecked near the present-day park in 1696. During World War II, the land was home to an army base for Southern Signal Corps School called Camp Murphy.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park Activities
Today, guests can traverse Jonathan Dickinson State Park’s 11,500 acres of land and river by foot, canoe, kayak, paddle board, motorboat, bike and more. Guests can also experience the park’s thirteen ecological communities on a guided nature tour. Jonathan Dickinson State Park’s guided tour options include horse-drawn tram tours, horseback tours, canoe tours and interpretive boat tours. The Loxahatchee River runs through this iconic Martin County spot called home by Trapper Nelson, known as “Tarzan of the Loxahatchee River,” in the 1930’s. All guests can enjoy guided tours of Trapper Nelson’s pioneer homestead year round.
Dining at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Pack a picnic lunch and set up your spread in one of the covered picnic pavilions on the banks of the beautiful Loxahatchee River. Grills are available on-site for guests to barbecue and enjoy delicious food in the great outdoors.