Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Live Oak, FL

Summary

Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Downtown Live Oak
Suwannee County Historical Commission and Museum
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
Troy Spring State Park
Suwannee Canoe Outpost
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
Heritage Park and Gardens
Lower Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail
Suwannee River State Park
The International Falconry Academy
Suwannee Country Club
Mystic Jungle Educational Facility Inc.
The Dixie Grill

The administrative center of Suwannee County in North Central Florida is situated in a notable loop on the Suwannee River.

Adorned by rugged limestone banks and crystal-clear, spring-fed tannic waters, this watercourse stands out as one of America’s most picturesque. Live Oak provides an excellent base for exploring the numerous parks and preserves lining the river.

Activities here include paddling amidst ancient bald cypress trees, cave diving, snorkeling in expansive blue holes, or tubing along sparkling spring runs. One aspect of the Suwannee River that captures attention is the serene environment.

Despite its accessibility, the riverbanks are primarily home to a few scattered communities, interspersed among the significant protected areas.

1. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Located half an hour south is the stunning aquatic haven of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, featuring over 2,000 acres of pine and hardwood forests alongside pristine swimming holes and the spring runs that converge to form the Ichetucknee River.

In the summer, tubing along the river represents an idyllic way to spend a warm day. While swimming or snorkeling in the Blue Hole, visitors can glimpse portions of the submerged cave system. Certified divers are authorized to explore this cave system.

During hikes along the park’s nature trails, one may encounter various wildlife, including beavers, otters, turtles, and many bird species.

The upper part of the spring run offers another popular area for kayaking and canoeing in cooler weather. Additional amenities include picnic areas, cycling trails, playgrounds, and restroom facilities.

2. Downtown Live Oak

While exploring the wonders of the Suwannee River is undoubtedly exciting, Downtown Live Oak boasts a thriving center.

Centered around the intersection of Ohio Avenue and Howard Street, one can find a variety of restaurants, unique specialty shops, and service businesses.

Diverse dining options include Southern cuisine, Mexican dishes, health-conscious meals, sandwiches, South American fare, small plates, burgers, baked goods, and ice cream all within close proximity.

Many establishments are located in beautifully restored brick buildings, with several pocket parks available for a brief respite. Be on the lookout for frequent concerts held at Millennium Park’s covered stage.

Noteworthy landmarks downtown encompass the Old City Hall (1909) and Suwannee County Courthouse (1904), both showcasing distinctive Renaissance Revival architecture.

3. Suwannee County Historical Commission and Museum

Established at the turn of the 20th century, the elegant Atlantic Coast Line Freight Station serves as a historical museum for the county. This building was constructed at the juncture of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

Consequently, it is unsurprising that the railroads play a significant role in the museum’s exhibitions, particularly regarding their influence on economic growth. Additionally, significant space is dedicated to the Timucua Native Americans, farming practices, natural history, and daily life in the early 20th century.

Noteworthy items include the preserved original courthouse clock and a substantial fragment of a prehistoric mammoth tusk.

4. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground

Regardless of camping plans during your visit to the Live Oak area, The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground is an ideal destination for a day. The docks at Rees Lake are a favored location for fishing, complemented by hiking and equestrian trails throughout the park.

Canoes and tubes are available for rental. On-site amenities include an in-ground swimming pool, a restaurant, a Craft Village, and a museum. For those wishing to extend their stay without the thought of tent camping, a luxurious treehouse is available for rent.

5. Troy Spring State Park

This state park centers around a small property adjacent to the Suwannee River, focusing on Troy Spring and its brief run.

With remarkable clarity, the spring emanates at a temperature of 72°F and is teeming with fish and turtles. There is another beloved swimming area, while those seeking adventure can snorkel.

Certified divers can descend into the spring and explore the remarkable natural formations down to 70 feet below the surface.

Interestingly, the faint outline of the Madison, a Confederate steamboat sunk in 1863, can be discerned at the mouth of the spring. Additionally, a dock is available on the Suwannee River to initiate a boating or canoeing excursion.

6. Suwannee Canoe Outpost

The foremost paddling outfitter on the Suwannee River is the Suwannee Canoe Outpost located at the Music Park. This establishment is the preferred choice in Live Oak for those lacking their own canoe or kayak.

Established in 1993, this outfitter provides daily trips and shuttles that depart hourly from 9 am to 3 pm. Visitors will be transported to an upstream location, with options to float back for distances ranging from 2 to 13 miles.

During this journey, one can navigate through some of the most beautiful stretches of the river, featuring cypress knees along the banks and Spanish moss gracefully draping from the trees above.

An essential recommendation is to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your outing.

7. Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park showcases two primary springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes waiting to be explored.

Certified divers can immerse themselves in one of the continent’s longest underwater cave systems, where few are fortunate enough to encounter these breathtaking submerged caverns, which encompass 38,000 feet of explored passages as of this writing.

For those not certified as divers, there remains ample opportunity to discover the park’s surface offerings. Visitors can traverse the interpretive nature trail winding through mature forests and follow a path that aligns with the serpentine cave routes beneath.

Peacock Springs and Orange Grove Sink provide favored swimming spots during summer, accompanied by a picturesque picnic area.

8. Heritage Park and Gardens

Located within walking distance southeast of downtown, this 90-acre former estate was acquired by the city in 2012 and is overseen by a non-profit organization.

The expansive grounds offer a multitude of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike. Notably, there is a paved walking trail, a picnic area, and a playground.

A standout feature is a well-regarded 18-basket disc golf course, set across a mix of open spaces and pine forests. Various events occur throughout the year, including a Civil War reenactment in November.

9. Lower Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail

Commencing in White Springs, this trail follows the Suwannee River for nearly 180 miles until it meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Due to Live Oak’s unique positioning, encompassed by a significant loop, the Lower Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail serves as an almost endless resource for sightseeing and athletic endeavors.

Primarily intended for paddling via kayaks and canoes, it also lends itself well to planning road trips. Along the journey, there is an abundance of sights to behold both on the water and on land.

While on the river, one can experience tranquility, punctuated by infrequent sleepy fishing communities and small towns. On land, visitors can explore springs, nature trails, green areas, campgrounds, museums, and distinctive cultural experiences.

10. Suwannee River State Park

In the array of essential natural spaces nearby Live Oak, the state park deserves mention as it lies at the junction of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers.

Spanning 1,800 acres, this varied landscape comprises springs, sinks, streams, limestone formations, majestic cypresses, and sandy pine woods.

The paddling opportunities within this park are among the best available near Live Oak, with rentals for canoes and kayaks accessible. There is also a wealth of historical elements for those keen to investigate.

Earthen mounds along the banks depict remnants from Confederate Civil War gun emplacements set to defend against Union naval vessels. Two ghost towns have fallen under the park’s sandy hills, and the remains of a 19th-century steamboat are visible in the waters.

11. The International Falconry Academy

At the International Falconry Academy, one can acquire knowledge about falcons, hawks, and owls—remarkable predators of the avian world—and their hunting techniques. Located in picturesque pinelands a few minutes southwest of Live Oak, this facility offers an engaging educational experience.

The visit commences with an introductory overview of falconry, followed by hands-on courses or workshops that allow for intimate interactions with these magnificent birds. A highlight includes extending a gloved hand, allowing the birds to perch upon it.

These experiences cater to all ages, encompassing opportunities to observe these birds in action as well as nature walks guided by knowledgeable instructors.

12. Suwannee Country Club

While it may appear exclusive, the Suwannee Country Club welcomes non-members as well.

A short drive southeast on US 90 leads to this 9-hole course, operating in some capacity since the 1920s. The early incarnations featured sand greens.

Today, it presents an enjoyable challenge, with a mixture of wide-open and narrow fairways set within a mature landscape. Be especially prepared for holes #4 and #9, known for their difficulty. A driving range is available for those looking to hone their skills.

Additionally, a banquet hall with a full kitchen is located on-site, and visitors have access to White Lake situated within the grounds.

13. Mystic Jungle Educational Facility Inc.

Managed by a non-profit organization, Mystic Jungle Educational Facility serves as a sanctuary providing lifelong homes for exotic animals, particularly large felines.

This facility emphasizes conservation rather than being a conventional visitor attraction, though public guided tours are offered on Saturdays for a nominal $10 donation, directly benefiting the organization and its conservation efforts.

During a visit, I observed several Bengal and Siberian tigers, leopards, various bobcats, and a pair of ring-tailed lemurs. A more personalized experience is available through private tours.

14. The Dixie Grill

An essential experience while in Live Oak, Florida, is to relish the local Southern cuisine. There is no place more authentic than The Dixie Grill, situated in the historic center of downtown.

This establishment, operating since 1959, is a favored choice among locals, which signifies its appeal.

Indulgent breakfasts, hearty comfort meals, and wholesome sandwiches and salads prepared with fresh, local ingredients constitute some of the delightful offerings. When visiting, one must encounter their famed Dixie Fried Chicken.

Complete the meal with a slice of their notable homemade coconut pie, elegantly topped with a generous coconut meringue.

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