In 1836, the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers built a stockade for the soldiers resting here, enabling the Volunteers to hold their own through several skirmishes with the Seminole Indians. This park is a 710-acre historic and archaeological site in Inverness, Florida, which was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1972, and tells the sad story of a land in conflict, but encompasses natural areas of beauty and tranquility. A reconstructed palisade marks the fort site and a re-enactment of the battles fought here is held each year in March. . 3100 S Old Floral City Rd, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park You'll cross the Withlacoochee State Trail, and turn right. Alafia River State Park A primitive group camp is available for organized groups. The centerpiece of this 700 acre State Park is Lake Holathlikaha which provides a perfect freshwater marsh environment for birds of all varieties including Limpkins, Whistling Ducks, Common and Purple Gallinules. An annual reenactment event, known as "Fort Cooper Days", is held each March on the third weekend. The Seminole warriors who attacked Fort Cooper needed no fortification. $5 per person, per night, plus tax. Fort Cooper State Park. Escape the cold this winter and come enjoy all the the festivities with us here in the Sunshine State! They are permitted in the picnic area, hiking trails and playground but are not allowed on the beach area, in the water, in the paddleboats and canoes or in our primitive campground. The Friends work to . Bahia Honda State Park With over 700 acres of nature at its best, Fort Cooper offers a spot for relaxing, hiking, studying nature and learning about Florida's rich history. Fort Cooper State Park hosting 'Nights of Lights' Lake Holathlikaha is popular for fishing and boating. Today, it charms thousands of visitors each year with its unique blend of beauty and history. Fish for largemouth bass, black crappie, red drum, sunfish and bluegill in Lake Holathlikaha during your visit. Silver Springs State Park Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park 3100 S. Old Floral City Road Could you find sustenance and keep your family together? On June 13, 1972, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places. The Lake Lodge / Recreation Hall is an ideal setting for small weddings and receptions. This park is a 710-acre historic and archaeological site in Inverness, Florida, which was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1972, and tells the sad story of a land in conflict, but encompasses natural areas of beauty and tranquility. The small kitchen can be rented in addition. Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park It is also a Florida State Park. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasuresor information in various places around the park. Bulow Creek State Park Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Tensions grew and the U.S. government sent large numbers of troops to remove the Seminoles. Entrance to the park from Withlacoochee State Trail. 1 star. Lake Griffin State Park The camp is nestled in an oak hammock with a fair amount of shade. 3102 S Old Floral City Rd Inverness, Florida 34452 (352) 726-0317 Visit Website Map Details Save. As part of theGreat Florida Birding Trail, the park offers nearly 5 miles of self-guided trails with excellent bird and wildlife viewing. 2 stars. FORT COOPER STATE PARK. The Seminoles quickly adapted to life in the watery, wilderness of the cove by putting their hunting, fishing, agricultural and survival skills into practice. June. A bonfire at Fort Cooper State Park makes for an excellent way to toast marshmallows this holiday season. Or bring your bicycle and explore the trail that extends for 46 miles and through 3 counties. Citizen Support Organizations. Barbecue pit - $5.30 . The Fort Cooper Seminole Heritage Trail outlines Florida Seminole lifestyle and culture in the Cove of the Withlacoochee Region. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown,365 days a year. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida's Office of Cultural and Historical Programs, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, History of the National Register of Historic Places, property in Citrus County, Florida on the National Register of Historic Places, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fort_Cooper_State_Park&oldid=1162668835, Forts on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida, National Register of Historic Places in Citrus County, Florida, Parks on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida, Central Florida Registered Historic Place stubs, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 30 June 2023, at 13:39. Rental is 9 a.m. until one hour before the park closes. 3100 Old Floral City Rd, Inverness, FL 34450, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. $3 per vehicle. Come join us for a Bat Viewing at Fort Cooper State Park. From wading in the crystalline headwaters to canoeing, kayaking and tubing down river, visitors at Rainbow Springs enjoy a priceless jewel in the Florida park system. History & Nature. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers nearly five miles of self-guided trails with excellent bird and wildlife viewing. Among the wildlife of the park are white-tailed deer, wild turkey, opossum, bobcat, owls, herons and cardinals. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Inverness, FL 34450 A beautiful gazebo is also available for the ceremony or as a great location for pictures. Cayo Costa State Park Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the. Canoes can be rented at the ranger station. For the first year of the war, the Seminoles and their Black allies scored impressive victories. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Fort Cooper State Park is located south of Inverness. You are forced to move from your village to an unknown wilderness. Public Participation Schedule. Fort Cooper State Park Maps, Files | State Park HQ *Depending on the location, some of these buttons . Best Hikes and Trails in Fort Cooper State Park | AllTrails Sightings of deer, turkey, opossum and bobcat are common. Faver-Dykes State Park Lake Talquin State Park Cooper, commander of 380 First Georgia Battalion Volunteers plus an artillery company of a few army regulars. Raptors and Woodpeckers work the forest perimeter. Inverness, Florida 34450. COOL BLOCKS, MAIN STREETS AND WALKING TOURS, Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. Bring your binoculars and bird lists for a chance to see ospreys, bald eagles, egrets, ducks, owls, herons, turkeys, woodpeckers, cardinals, storks, ibis, warblers, cuckoos, sparrows and vireos. Cooter Pond Park (Inverness) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Correct change is required. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park page information credit:Florida State Parks, Friends of Fort Cooper, Hernando Sun, JacksonWalkerStudio.com Florida State Parks. Suwannee River State Park LOCATION. The park is named after Major Mark Anthony Cooper. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. The Seminoles declared they had no intention of leaving. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park However, through the efforts of volunteers and park staff, a replica has been erected of the southwest corner of the fort in its approximate original . Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park Fort Cooper was then utilized as a reconnaissance, observation and dispatch post until 1842 by various U.S. Army detachments until it was abandoned. Jonathan Dickinson State Park Gazebo (if rented separately) - $106. Located at parking lot #2 is a half-mile paved connection to theWithlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile paved multi-use trail. 2/28/2021. Fort Clinch State Park Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Portolets and potable water are available. Some trails include benchesand interpretive signs that provide insight into the surrounding areas. 8:15 pm. Rainbow Springs State Park Constitution Convention Museum State Park Although private boats are prohibited, canoes are available for rent when water levels and conditions permit. Correct change is required. 1.7 mi Parks. Fort Cooper State Park (Inverness) - What to Know BEFORE You Go As the only full-time park ranger at Fort Cooper, Penny wears many hats. 81st Place Road The war continued for another five years until finally, in 1842, with only a few hundred defiant Seminoles still at large, the Second Seminole War was declared over. Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the picturesque picnic area near the lake. Therustic building overlookingLake Holathlikahahas air conditioning and a full kitchen, and can accommodate up to 47 people. Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Due to Major Coopers vigilant leadership during the two week siege, the Georgia Battalion sustained about 20 men wounded, but lost only one man. Search reviews. Madison Blue Spring State Park Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Enjoy this 1.1-mile loop trail near Inverness, Florida. Fort Cooper State Park is surrounded by hammocks of oak, magnolia, pine and hickory. During your visit you may see White-tailed Deer, Shermans Fox Squirrels, Gopher tortoises, wild turkey, opossum, bobcat, turtles, snakes and frogs.