Eureka Springs Park — Attraction in Temple Terrace

A enjoyable park with a long boardwalk through a wetland and an interesting history.

The springs in this area were basically destroyed when the bypass canal was put in to alleviate flooding in areas of Tampa as the Hillsborough River winds to the bay. The creation of the canal hit the sources that fed the springs and everything changed.

That said, don't show up expecting to see any clear water springs. The few spots that are springs are green and nothing like you would imagine a spring to be. Often, they look like little sinkholes that are stagnant.

The good part - There is a nice area, maybe a few acres worth of plants for the plant geek / garden crowd. A good many bromeliads and orchids and other tropical plants in a nice setting. There is even a greenhouse that always has something blooming.

A covered open air area heading into the greenhouse always has some blooming orchids hanging about. A rather pretty collection. It makes for a very nice walk.

If you want to venture beyond the landscaped grounds, there is a boardwalk that meanders through a wetland. Lots of towering cypress trees and other natives. We often see the large redheaded woodpeckers when we visit.

I am confused on the pet thing - seems some areas may be open to bringing pets. Some not? - you'll need to check on that, but I did see people picnicking with dogs on leashes.

Bathrooms are clean and at the front of the park. A fee of 2 dollars is paid and there is a kiosk that takes cards.

There is no playground but there is a covered area to eat food you brought. (sometimes this is being used for a party - so not always available to those who show up)

The areas for picnics are terribly scenic but pretty enough that on every visit, I will see some people sitting out with a blanket enjoying food.

Plenty of room for the little ones to get some energy spent if your willing to walk all the trails with them. - but again, no playgrounds - no fields for sports - more of a botanical garden combined with a nature preserve sort of spot.

Often driving in we would see a lot of peafowl in the neighborhood. We did not see any this past visit, but keep an eye out coming and going, you may be surprised by some of these colorful creatures wandering...

A Hidden Oasis for Nature Lovers and Green Thumbs Alike!

Eureka Springs Park is truly a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates nature’s beauty, peaceful surroundings, and lush greenery. As someone who loves plants and gardens, I was absolutely enchanted by the park’s well-maintained botanical garden, filled with a variety of exotic flowers, vibrant ferns, and towering cypress trees.

From the moment you step onto the boardwalk, you’re immersed in a tranquil landscape where butterflies dance among wildflowers, and the soft rustling of leaves creates the perfect natural symphony. The greenhouse is a must-visit, showcasing an incredible collection of tropical plants that any gardening enthusiast will appreciate.

One of my favorite spots is the serene pond, where you can sit and watch dragonflies hover over the water. The trails are easy to navigate, making it a perfect place for a leisurely walk, a peaceful picnic, or even some quiet reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, Eureka Springs Park is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively!

If you’re in the Tampa area and need a break from the hustle and bustle, this park is a must-visit. It’s a place where nature thrives, and for a green thumb like me, it feels like home....

Beautiful park to walk with gravel paths and boardwalk surrounding a gazebo and a green house filled to the brim with plants!

The green house and gazebo contain many different plants and when I come I always look for the giant hoya and the orchids. Depending when you come different plants might be flowering and they are beautiful. So I come at all different times of the year to see what’s blooming.

The paths are very nice and easy to walk on and there are so many plants to see. Every path there is something beautiful to check out and they are still adding to the park.

There are restrooms as well as a room you can rent on the park grounds. Benches to sit on along the way and enjoy the scenery. There are a couple picnic tables at the entrance of the park, but there is a larger area with more of them if you take a right after the bathrooms and follow that path down.

I have come here many times and continue to return because of the price, location, but most importantly how memorable and stunning the grounds are kept here. I love to bring family and friends here and they love it as well. Thank you to those that preserve and maintain this little...