O'Leno State Park

O'Leno State Park is a natural area along the Santa Fe River featuring diverse landscapes across its terrain. The park contains river swamps, hardwood forests, sandhills, and multiple sinkholes that shape how water moves and wildlife inhabits the region.

The land once held a settlement called Keno with a cotton gin and sawmill operations before decline. When the railroad route bypassed the area, the location eventually transformed into a state park in the 1930s.

The park shapes how locals and visitors connect with Florida's natural landscape through outdoor recreation and nature exploration. The structures built in the 1930s remain visible throughout the grounds, reflecting the craftsmanship of workers who opened this place to the public.

The park provides over 20 miles of trails at various difficulty levels and a campground with full amenities. Visitors should note that accessibility changes with the season and weather, with the most comfortable conditions occurring during cooler months.

The Santa Fe River disappears underground through a large sinkhole within the park boundaries and resurfaces three miles away at another location. This underground water system reveals the hidden geology of the region and creates an unusual natural phenomenon visitors can observe.

Location: Florida

Architectural style: National Park Service rustic

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleno-state-park

GPS coordinates: 29.91690,-82.58390

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02