Indrio Savannahs Preserve — Attraction in Lakewood Park

The Indrio Savannahs Preserve is a 297 acre area including a 35 acre lake which lies on the west side of US1 between Vero Beach to the north and Ft. Pierce to the south, just north of Indrio Road. There is a small sign visible from US1 but look carefully or you will pass it. The preserve features barbecue stands, picnic tables and trails, but no bathroom facilities. You can take your dog but keep them on a lease and clean up after them. Trail guides are available from the kiosk located near the parking area. The trails are broad and are kept mowed so walking is easy. The area is a preserve, so expect to see native (and invasive) Florida wildlife: watch your toes for cactus, fire ants, snakes, and other assorted denizens of the state that make it interesting. The lake is a former sand mine. The water is clear and quite deep at around 40 feet. Canoes and kayaks are permitted but swimming and wading is prohibited as the shoreline drops off quickly. Fishing is "catch and release" for bass species but bluegill can be kept if you are inclined. The preserve is part of the birding trail of Florida and with the mix of pine barrens, open lake and marshland, you can expect to see a variety of species at different times of the year. It can be a haven for mosquitoes, so I recommend the cooler months unless you are a hardy soul who buys insect repellant by the quart. As you enter the preserve, the trail to the right (north) dead ends into private property after a few hundred yards. Take the trail to the left or south side to walk around the lake and access the other trails that lead to an observation tower and through the pine hammock. Along the way you will get a look at the unique savannahs habitat and hopefully encounter some wild...

This preserve is special. Upon entry you will feel like you've left the city when you step in front of a modest lake with outlaying young Bald Cypress trees. In Spring time you are surrounded by an assortment of native flowers with fragrance (colors ranging the spectrum). Grills are provided at the front by the lake, as well as benches. The birds will put on a symphony for you without evening diving into the woods. Follow the trail that that grids out hashtag(pound, #) style through the park, as well as hashtag canals, and witness a wide range of small animals, insects, and birds. This place is a huge home for birds. Endangered red-headed woodpeckers, the endangered Blue Scrub Jay, red Cardinals, ospreys, the list goes on. On the East side you have a view tower over-looking a 1.5 mile pristine marsh full of lily pads, frogs, and wading birds such as the Sand-hill crane. This preserve is absolutely spectacular for wildlife photography. And it is a unknown gem and you will probably have much if not all of the park to yourself. Also, a terrific park for a high speed or even tranquil mountain-bike ride. It is a flat, level ride. This park is a good visit if you want some peace, and to input beauty into your...

I drive by the Indrio Preserve...daily. I've been wanting to stop by and take a look. I had the day off, decided to take the ride down the street. The Preserve is well kept, freshly mowed, trees and shrubs were trimmed back. I had no idea the lake is as big as it is. I was expecting maybe a small pond. But to my surprise...in a good way. It looks very clean. There are 2 picnic tables with charcoal grills near by. I walked a good distance into the preserve. It had started to thunder, I knew I didnt have much time. The lake is clear and looks deep. I went walking down the trail. Saw a Park Ranger. Which Im glad to see. He was on the walking bridge and he looked young. I said hello, he said hi, I told him I was trying to get back to the parking area before it started raining. He said. Yes Ma'm. Lol..cute. So I started a little jog. It was sprinkling and thunder, lightning was all around and getting worse. All of a sudden the sky opened up with a downpour of rain...I was soaked. I ran a little faster. I could see the picnic table, I was relieved to see the car. I will go back. Bring the kayak. Maybe try to walk...