Lettuce Lake Park, County park with boardwalk in Hillsborough County, Florida, US

Lettuce Lake Park is a 240-acre Hillsborough County park on Fletcher Avenue between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida. The Hillsborough River runs through it, and boardwalks cross a freshwater wetland and flood plain, an oak-dominated hardwood forest, and cypress domes. The park opened in 1982.

The park was created in 1982 to give the public access to Florida's natural ecosystems along the river. This helped protect this area for both recreation and conservation purposes.

The visitor center shares information about how this river corridor supports wildlife and helps people understand the natural environment around them. You can see how the space connects the community to the local ecosystems.

The boardwalks cross wetland and flood plain, so expect uneven, sometimes wet planks; the observation tower and nature trails lie beyond the visitor center. The park sits on Fletcher Avenue between Interstate 75 and the University of South Florida, with the Hillsborough River running through it. Bring water and sun protection, as much of the route is open.

A wooden observation tower gives you a high vantage point over the river and wetlands where many bird species gather. This spot is one of the best places in the area to watch water birds, especially in early morning hours.