Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park

In the heart of Florida's "desert," the 845 acres of Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park protects and preserves some of Florida's most endangered natural habitat: sand scrub. Perched on the Lake Wales Ridge, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park is one of Florida's newest state parks and is still being developed. So a visit here is more for those folks wanting a "near-wilderness" experience. During your visit, you might come across a Florida scrub lizard or Florida scrub jay or Florida mouse, deer, gopher tortoise, osprey, bald eagle or bobcat, all among the rarer creatures found in Florida these days.

There is a half-mile nature trail in place but most hiking right now has to be done along the white sand firebreaks. Or you can make your way to the lakeshore and fish or launch a canoe or kayak... The picnic area has tables and a shelter but no grills as yet. You'll also want to bring your own drinking water as there's none available at the park.

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park is open from 8 am to sunset, every day of the year. Admission fee: $2 per vehicle to a max of 8 occupants. You'll be paying into an honor box so you'll want exact change. Fee subject to change. To get there: Go south from Sebring on US Highway 27 for about 12 miles. At County Road 621 (Lake June Road), turn and go west for 4 miles to Daffodil Road. Then go south on Daffodil Road for 2 miles to the park entrance.