“240-acre park”
Prior to its 1982 opening, Lettuce Lake Park was used primarily for cattle grazing, hunting, and fishing. Today, this 240-acre site has proven to be one of the most successful parks in the County, with well over one million visitors annually. More than half of the park’s property lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, consisting of a hardwood swamp forest, which provides a natural storage reservoir for floodwater and improves water quality. The remainder of the park consists of hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods plant communities. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the park’s bicycle path/jogging trail, complete with a fitness course and a playground for the kids. Nature lovers can either hike, kayak, or fish on their own, or take a $5 guided nature tour on Saturdays and Sundays, where park rangers take participants through the 3,500 boardwalk and along the scenic Hillsborough River. The rangers will also highlight many native plants, a variety of birds, and usually even an alligator or two. Visitors can check out the interpretive center and its exhibits before strolling to a three-story observation tower where they can view an extensive variety of wildlife. After completing their nature tours, visitors can access the park’s wooded ADA accessible picnic areas and shelters, as well as picnic tables, restrooms, recycling bins, and barbecue grills.
Reviews
If you are looking for a natural spot within the city in order to enjoy a lovely walk, then Lettuce Lake Park is the solution and very cheap. (just $2 fee for entering)
Great variety of flora and wildlife. The forest trees are standing there, proud of their beauty, welcoming you to walk along.
Good place for exercising (we saw a group of people doing yoga) and you need to walk the boardwalk to see creatures such as gators!
Take your cameras with you! You can get great close up shots of the wildlife.
Great to be outside
Beautiful! Nice place to wander around
Be the first to add a review to the Lettuce Lake Park.
Lettuce Lake Park
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The best-kept secrets of Disney World
- 9 Places
- 01:25
- 30 mi
The top things to do on an I-95 road trip
- 50 Places
- 41:46
- 1,983 mi
The top things to do on an I-10 road trip
- 55 Places
- 56:13
- 3,026 mi