When travelers think about Orlando in Florida, the first thing that naturally pops into visitors heads are the plentiful amusement parks in the area, and the shopping chances in the center bit of Orlando. Nonetheless many travellers forget that Orlando, situated on the northern edge of the Florida Everglades, is also the base for a just as many natural attractions. For those wanting to delve into the wilder side of the city, there are many natural landmarks in Orlando that should not be missed.
Big Tree Park
Located in nearby Longwood, the aptly-named Big Tree Park is home to one of the very oldest trees on the planet. Named the Senator, the tree rises to a staggering height of 125 feet and is ranked as the fifth oldest tree in the world. The Senator is approximately 3,500 years old. The Senator is also the tallest tree in the United States east of the Mississippi river. Another tree in the park, Lady Liberty, stands at 89 feet and is just about as old.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
While touring Orlando natural landmarks, why not stop and smell the roses? The Harry P. Leu gardens feature the biggest rose garden in all of the state of Florida, with over 215 kinds to admire. The Harry P. Leu Gardens feature among other attractions, a massive collection of Camellias, a dazzling butterfly garden, and 3 acres of educational demonstration gardens. Try and visit on the first Monday of the month, when admission is cost-free.
The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve
For those who feel like they can't leave Orlando without seeing the something Disneyland, why not visit the biggest Disney park of all? This 12,000 acre nature preserve was created specifically to guard and study ecosystems found at the head of the Florida Everglades. The park is refered to officially as the The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Park. The park is home to a number of rare species, including a colony of the southeastern big-eared bat, bald eagles and the red-cockaded woodpecker. Some projects at Disney Wilderness Preserve are at the cutting edge of wildlife preservation.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Situated forty five minutes north of the city of Orlando, this sprawling state park covers 14,000 acres, including 17 miles of nature trails. Rock Springs Run State Reserve park offers camping, fishing, and hunting, together with canoeing, rafting, and horseback rides. For the adventurous, some of the campsites are only accessible by canoe. Call before arriving to reserve a campsite.
Bok Tower Gardens
The historic Bok Tower Gardens dates back to the 1920s, where they were established as a botanical garden and bird sanctuary. Bok Tower Gardens are a must see for those touring Orlando natural landmarks. Located on one of the very highest points in peninsular Florida, the Gardens centerpiece is the DecoNeogothic Singing Tower, featuring a carillon of 60 bells. Its woodlands are home to over 100 bird species and also include a nature trail and museum.
Big Tree Park
Located in nearby Longwood, the aptly-named Big Tree Park is home to one of the very oldest trees on the planet. Named the Senator, the tree rises to a staggering height of 125 feet and is ranked as the fifth oldest tree in the world. The Senator is approximately 3,500 years old. The Senator is also the tallest tree in the United States east of the Mississippi river. Another tree in the park, Lady Liberty, stands at 89 feet and is just about as old.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
While touring Orlando natural landmarks, why not stop and smell the roses? The Harry P. Leu gardens feature the biggest rose garden in all of the state of Florida, with over 215 kinds to admire. The Harry P. Leu Gardens feature among other attractions, a massive collection of Camellias, a dazzling butterfly garden, and 3 acres of educational demonstration gardens. Try and visit on the first Monday of the month, when admission is cost-free.
The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve
For those who feel like they can't leave Orlando without seeing the something Disneyland, why not visit the biggest Disney park of all? This 12,000 acre nature preserve was created specifically to guard and study ecosystems found at the head of the Florida Everglades. The park is refered to officially as the The Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Park. The park is home to a number of rare species, including a colony of the southeastern big-eared bat, bald eagles and the red-cockaded woodpecker. Some projects at Disney Wilderness Preserve are at the cutting edge of wildlife preservation.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Situated forty five minutes north of the city of Orlando, this sprawling state park covers 14,000 acres, including 17 miles of nature trails. Rock Springs Run State Reserve park offers camping, fishing, and hunting, together with canoeing, rafting, and horseback rides. For the adventurous, some of the campsites are only accessible by canoe. Call before arriving to reserve a campsite.
Bok Tower Gardens
The historic Bok Tower Gardens dates back to the 1920s, where they were established as a botanical garden and bird sanctuary. Bok Tower Gardens are a must see for those touring Orlando natural landmarks. Located on one of the very highest points in peninsular Florida, the Gardens centerpiece is the DecoNeogothic Singing Tower, featuring a carillon of 60 bells. Its woodlands are home to over 100 bird species and also include a nature trail and museum.
About the Author:
Helen Gerogette likes to spend time traveling and writing about places like natural landmarks in Orlando. Some of her favorite places and best articles are about Orlando natural landmarks.
