Lettuce Lake Park: How Florida was 100 years ago

Image 1 of 5

Near the University of South Florida’s main campus is a very unique Hillsborough County park.  Lettuce Lake Park has ancient oaks and cypress trees on the Hillsborough River that visitors can view from a 3,500-foot boardwalk. 

Hikers, bicyclists, and picnickers can find plenty to do in this 240-acre public space, which includes picnic shelters and playgrounds. And the park’s three-story observation tower is perfect to see bald eagles, ospreys and alligators. 

Park manager Steve Kennedy says the park “is a little oasis of nature in the midst of a very commercial center.” 

“When you first drive in to Lettuce Lake Park, you’re leaving civilization and coming into Florida like it was a hundred years ago,” he offered.

Lettuce Lake Park has a $2-per-car entrance fee. 

LINK: More details on the county's website

SkyFox Drone pilot John Wright received special permission from the county to fly over the park. See that view in the video above.