Parks and Preserves in Estero FL
Of all the joys in life, nature is the among the simplest yet most beautiful. Walking through the forest in the early dawn, as the warbling of songbirds harmonizes with the sound of wind rushing through the trees. Gazing upwards at the sky on a clear summer night, as marvelling at the vast expanse of the universe and your own comparative insignificance. In a world of tawdry pleasures, fast-paced commercial thrills and instant gratification, the joy of nature is unique. It requires no investment; no tickets need be bought, no reservations need be made. This joy of revelling in the unparalleled beauty of nature is one that resists our modern obsession with cliques and products and status.
If you are visiting or living in Estero FL, you should consider yourself fortunate; there is an abundance of natural attractions that can all be explored at little or no cost. From state parks that showcase the wide variety of flora and fauna in the area to aquatic preserves perfect for underwater exploration, there’s plenty to see here. Let’s take a closer look!
Koreshan State Park
Think of your average state park. Beautiful nature scenery, perhaps some hiking trails, maybe a boat ramp on the river. Well worth the visit, but not particularly exceptional. If you had the same idea about Koreshan State Park, you’re going to have to forget it, because this state park is different from any state park you’ve ever visited!
The Koreshan Unity: a fascinating historical footnote
Why is this, you ask? The answer is simple. Far from being just another natural preserve, Koreshan State Park is a fully restored and functional recreation of the Koreshan settlement, a utopian commune founded by an eccentric religious sect. The history here is detailed and fascinating. Want to find out more? Keep reading!
The Koreshan Unity was a group of religious devotees who followed a man named Cyrus Teed. Practicing a belief known to them as Koreshanity, these devotees held to an elaborate administrative hierarchy, with the highest tier of membership being sworn to celibacy and chastity.
While the population of the settlement never exceeded 250 residents, the group developed the area extensively. Many businesses and services were constructed, including a general store, printing shop (that circulated its own newspaper), and even a power plant that supplied the area with electricity.
The Koreshans went on to form their own political party, the Progressive Liberal Party, which had a variety of colorful members, from socialists to republicans to disheartened democrats. After the death of their founder, Cyrus Teed, the group gradually declined in membership, with the last living member ultimately giving the grounds of the settlement to the state of Florida.
Today Koreshan State park commemorates this peculiar group and their accomplishments, with 12 fully restored buildings and tours that showcase the unique culture that used to call this place home. We highly recommend you visit this fascinating attraction!
Lovers Key State Park
So you aren’t that into history. We get it. It’s not for everyone! What is for everyone, however, is the Lovers Key State Park! This sprawling natural park covers seven hundred and twelve acres of Florida wetland adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, and is one of the most beautiful places in the entire area!
This is one of the best things to see here in Estero. Let us tell you why! For starters, you have the beaches. With thousands of yards of immaculate white sand, refreshing, crystal clear waters and vibrant, virtually untouched flora and fauna, it’s a joy simply to be here. Then, consider the other things there are to do in this beautiful state park!
There are trails, perfect for long walks under a canopy of green, enjoying pleasant conversation with a friend or partner. There are excellent fishing spots, where you can cast your line, lay back, and wait for the fish to bite. And let’s not forget the kayaking; with all this beautiful shoreline, simply paddling up and down the coast is a blast!
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
If you like exploring nature, you’ll love this next one. The historic Estero Bay Aquatic Reserve is a large aquatic nature preserve that boasts the title of first aquatic preserve established in the state. With over ten thousand acres of inlets, canals, swampland, islands and open water, the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is perfect for any and all water based and water adjacent activities.
There’s something for everyone here. You have kayak rentals, so you can paddle back and forth between the individual islands and see what’s on each one. There are airboat and motorboat rentals, perfect for fishing or exploring. For the adventurous Scuba certified diver, the preserve is also home to dozens of different species of marine life, so things are just as exciting under the surface as they are above!
Conclusion
After taking a look at some of these fascinating parks and preserves, we think it’s safe to say that there is no shortage of things to see and do in Estero, and if you chance a visit we think you’ll agree. But that’s not all; from what we hear, living in Estero isn’t all that bad either!
If you want to make this sumptuous southern paradise your home, we encourage you to get in touch with one of the real estate agents in Estero FL. These experienced, professional realtors are your best option when it comes to buying property in the area. Before long, you might just be calling the community of Estero home!
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