April 26 is National Audubon Day! Did you know that 229 different bird species have been spotted in DeSoto? DeSoto’s a great place for bird watching!
For more information about Audubon Day, click here.
There are plenty of bird watching opportunities in DeSoto County.
Here are some options:
Brownville Park
1885 NE Brownville Street Arcadia, FL
Located right on the Peace River, Brownville Park offers a convenient boat ramp to launch your kayak, canoe, or boat. Many kayakers and canoeists paddle north, up the picturesque Peace River, then turn around for a lazy and tranquil float back.
Day visitors ($2 fee) can explore this beautiful 75-acre park. A simple loop nature trail, perfect for small children, can be found on the south side of the park. On the north side are more extensive trails ideal for exploration.
Many visitors fish from the river banks and countless guests arrive with their families ready to picnic. Brownville Park offers recreational opportunities in a gorgeous natural setting with a family ambiance.
You can bring your camp gear and spend the night at one of our campsites. Nestled beneath the antique oak are campsites, both electric and non-electric.
A dump station is available for RV guests. The nearby restrooms include shower facilities.
Park Closes at Sundown.
Fees
- Daily $2
- Annual Pass $25
There is a $2 fee for daily visitors (campers are exempt). For more information on a $25 annual pass, contact Brownville Park at 863-491-5333 or the Parks and Recreation Office at 863-491-7507 Passes can also be purchased at Brownville Park with the Park Caretaker. The money collected will be used towards future improvements at the Park.
Camping / RV
Reservations are required. Please call Sarah Dalziel for more information: 863-491-5333.
Morgan Park
1100 W Hickory Street, Arcadia, FL
Morgan Park offers 240 acres of Florida’s most fabulous preserved land. Colossal cypress trees dominate the skyline and edge the riverbanks. Dahoon Holly, Sabal Palm, and Saw Palmetto are just a few of the native species of plants you will find in this sub-tropical Eden.
Hiking Trails
You can explore this gorgeous setting via the miles of hiking trails, and as you wander down these beautiful paths, along the banks of the serene Peace River you may experience the sensation of timelessness. Only an occasional park bench or discovering one of the many antique wooden footbridges may remind you of where you are. Tranquil and picturesque, this is a delightful place to bring the family.
Abundant wildlife can best be viewed in the early morning and early evening. You may get lucky and catch a glimpse of a deer, tread quietly and you may notice a red-shoulder hawk resting in an old cypress tree. Also, many alligators have been sighted basking on the banks of the Peace River within the park.
Pavillions and Picnics
Morgan Park is well known by locals as a favorite picnic spot or place to take a walk, but as of yet this natural jewel largely remains undiscovered, so upon your visit expect a surplus of peace. Relax, and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere of Old Florida. Restrooms are found in the roomy picnic area adjacent to the large pavilion. All picnic shelters are available for rental.
Large Pavilion Rental Fee includes:
- Damage Deposit $75 (refundable)
- Rental Fee: $40 + $ 3 – sales tax = $43.
- Total $118.
For large groups please make a reservation by calling the Parks Department Office at 863-491-7507.
OTHER OPTIONS
Peace River Charters and Canoe Outpost, 4092 SW Adventure Way, Arcadia, FL. Horse trails, canoe and airboat trips, horse rides, swamp buggies, fossil hunting with Fossil Recovery Exploration, and so much more.
There’s no trail that can’t be found at Adventure Way!
