Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and warm weather, but there is also a hidden world beneath the surface. From natural caves to man-made tunnels, Florida has some unique underground destinations to explore. Here are some of the top picks for underground adventures in the Sunshine State.
Natural Caves in Florida
Florida Caverns State Park
Located in Marianna, Florida, Florida Caverns State Park is home to some of the most unique and impressive caves in the state. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave system, which includes stalagmites, stalactites, and other interesting formations. In addition to cave tours, the park offers hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Devil’s Den is a prehistoric underground spring located in Williston, Florida. The spring is 60 feet deep and has a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the crystal-clear water while admiring limestone walls and underwater caves. The area around Devil’s Den is also home to many fossils and ancient artifacts.
Man-Made Tunnels in Florida
Disney’s Utilidors
Disney’s Utilidors are a series of underground tunnels and utility corridors that run beneath the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The tunnels were constructed in the 1970s to allow employees to move around the park without disrupting the theme. Visitors can only access the tunnels on special tours or events, but they offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most popular theme parks.
Government Springs Park
Located in Alachua, Florida, Government Springs Park is home to an underground system of tunnels and caverns created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Visitors can explore the tunnels, which were once used as a water supply for the town. The park also includes hiking trails, swimming areas, and picnic pavilions.
Miami’s Stormwater System
Miami’s underground stormwater system is not a tourist destination, but it is still an impressive feat of engineering. The system is made up of a network of tunnels and pump stations that help prevent flooding during heavy rains and hurricanes. The system can pump up to 200 million gallons of water per day, making it one of the largest in the world. The system is not open to the public, but visitors can learn more about it at the Miami Science Museum.
Conclusion
Florida has a lot of attractions that are well-known and widely visited, but its underground destinations are just as fascinating. Whether you’re exploring natural caves or man-made tunnels, there is something unique and intriguing about the hidden world beneath our feet. These top picks are just a few examples of the underground adventures that await in the Sunshine State.