When we travel out of state, we usually make it a point to visit state parks. Smoky Mountain National Park, located between Cherokee, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN, is a favorite of ours. I’d also like to someday visit the Grand Canyon (possibly in November, when we go to Las Vegas!) and Yellowstone.

Somehow, I tend to forget about all of the great state parks located right here in Florida. The Florida Online Park Guide is a great website that can provide you with information on every state park in Florida, from the Alafia River State Park (located in Lithia, Florida) to the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park (located in Crystal River, Florida.) You’ll find information on what there is to see and do at each park, as well as directions and any operating hours that apply.

We’ve actually been to the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park. We had passed by the location previously while driving to dinner in Homosassa, and decided to stop there last year on my birthday. The park is extremely small, no more than a few ruins, but it’s amazing to see. Here’s a picture of my kids standing in front of the mill ruins: