Here along the shores of the Tomoka river, you can walk the footsteps that the Timucua (native Americans) once took around their village called Nocoroco. This was once a thriving community along the Halifax river & intracoastal waterway, where only mounds of oyster and snail shells from meals remain evidence of a village and is now Tomoka State Park.
There was once an indigo plantation here too, owned by an 18th century British man called Oswald. There are signs and plaques (on the roadside or trails), that tell you about the natural and historical facts and explain with how the indigo plant was made to produce dyes.
The salt marshes flood daily with the tides and are favorited by these shellfish and fiddler crabs and fish. This makes it an amazing place for bird watching and over 160 species have been recorded.
During the summer you might get to see an occasional dolphin or manatee and toward dusk raccoons, white-tailed deer, bobcats and otters surface. Camping is permitted here and so you’d maybe get more of a chance to see these creatures then😊
The Park offers canoe rentals too and more info can be found here
The photo above shows a 40-foot sculpture of “Chief Tomokie” who failed to believe in powers from a sacred spring. He drank the waters which enraged other Indians and a war begun. The water he drank seemed to make him invincible until an Indian princess, Oleeta, shot an arrow that fatally injured him. This depiction was created by Fred Dana Marsh in 1955 and is in great disrepair. This photo was taken a couple of years ago and I understand that it is falling apart piece by piece, so go see it whilst it’s largely intact!
This park certainly makes you feel like you can imagine how Florida once was, many many years ago.
Insect repellant is a very good idea, and there are multiple places for picnicking and restroom facilities.
2099 North Beach Street, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
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