Tagged : Loxahatchee River

Take a guided tour through the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River and come across a rich diversity of wildlife, history, and nature. The Loxahatchee River tour starts out narrow and twisty as it meanders its way downstream from Riverbend Park toward the Atlantic Ocean.   The wild and scenic Loxahatchee River is a 7.6-mile-long river that flows out of the Jupiter Inlet and into the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The Loxahatchee River is known for its famous Cypress Forest which creates a canopy that creates a feeling like you are in another world.  

The river, named “lowchow” (turtle) and “hatchee” (river) by the Seminole Indians, is one of two nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida. The designation was issued on May 17, 1985. Portions of

The Loxahatchee River District in Jupiter has been named “Best in Nation” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  The Loxahatchee River District has been esteemed for its excellence in wastewater recycling by the Florida Water Environment Association. The organization operates an award-winning facility that collects wastewater from the community and recycles it for irrigation needs, preserving freshwater supplies for the environment. In addition to serving the community, they strive to maintain pristine habitats with water recycling efforts. Preservation of the "Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River" is the highest priority for the organization. 

Educating the public is one facet in which the Loxahatchee River District reaches out to the

Paddle board or kayak along cypress knees on the Loxahatchee River for a throw back in time to the early settlers’ days in Jupiter and Tequesta.  Take in the remarkable river scenery and the ecosystems that the Loxahatchee River supports including cypress knees. 

What is a cypress knee you ask? A cypress knee is a unique characteristic of a cypress tree forming above the roots. Their purpose is mysterious, and they are generally seen on trees growing in swamps. Some current theories say that they might help to “aerate the tree's roots, create a barrier to catch sediment and reduce erosion, assist in anchoring the tree in the soft and muddy soil, or any combination thereof”. 

The Loxahatchee River is one of the best ways to see Old Florida up

One of the most interesting characters in Palm Beach County history is “Trapper Nelson”, a legendary woodsman with a scandalous past who owned 858 acres on the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, Florida.

Originally born as Victor Nostokovich of Trenton, New Jersey, Trapper Nelson served time in Mexico for gun-running, and headed east after his release to settle in Jupiter with a new name.

He built a private paradise along the Loxahatchee River, where he constructed a handmade zoo where tourists would come to view his bobcats, raccoons, possums, alligators, and snakes.

Known as “Tarzan of the Loxahatchee”, he’d wrestle alligators, trap panthers, and amaze guests with his dashing good looks and stories of the wild.

Boat captains would bring tourists

It may be ready to break out the pumpkins and fall jackets in a lot of the U.S. but here in South Florida, our summer weather continues to roll on! Instead of hayrides and apple orchards, why not fire up the boat head out on water for a weekend at the Sandbar. Here are three of our favorites to consider:

Stuart/Hutchinson Island:

The Stuart sandbar is located just inside the St. Lucie Inlet, and just east of the convergence of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. The closest boat ramp is Sandsprit Park. You can rent boats at the Sundance Marina in Jensen Beach. There is also excellent fishing and snorkeling in the area, which is known as the “sailfish flats.”

The Jupiter/Tequesta Sandbar:
The sandbar is located along the Loxahatchee River,

The River Center provides a fun educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the unique Loxahatchee River system, from freshwater Cyprus swamp to the seagrass dominated estuary and marine ecosystems.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to capture the flora and fauna of the unique Florida outdoors, the Loxahatchee River Center is holding an open amateur photo contest until Tuesday, October 16th.

The competition is comprised of two age categories; Youth (17 & under) or General Amateur (18 & up), and will award winners in three content categories; flora, fauna, and human interaction.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, and winning photographs will be displayed at the River Center and on their website.

The Loxahatchee River Center is located on the southeast side of Burt Reynolds Park on US1 and features over 6,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums, interactive kid-friendly exhibits, and even a “touch tank” where children can meet some of Florida’s friendly creatures up close.

From September 1st through May 31st, the Center is open Tuesday – Wednesday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From June 1st through August 31st, the Center is open Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The River Center is a fun, educational opportunity for visitors to learn about the unique Loxahatchee River system, from freshwater Cyprus swamp to the seagrass dominated estuary and marine ecosystems.

Programs offered include a family seine

Every Thursday morning at the River Center in Jupiter, is Starfish & Coffee Story Time. Enjoy stories about the sea and animals with songs, games and touch tanks. Starfish Story Time is perfect for little ones under the age of 7.

Starfish & Coffee Story Time is also a nice place for parents to relax with the other parents and a cup of coffee while the kids listen and learn. The kids can touch different animals in the touch tank to help educate in a fun and hands on way about the marine animals in our area.

No reservation is required and admission is free! Starfish & Coffee Story Time begins at 9:30am every Thursday morning. For more information please contact: rivercenter@loxahatcheeriver.org or call 561-743-7123. The Loxahatchee River Center is

Known, as one of the most significant Jupiter icons and historical sites is the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park. Often referred to as the “gateway to the Loxahatchee river,” this park is must visit site if you have not been and live in the area. 

The history of Battlefield Park shows that there has been prehistoric and historic habitation here dating as far back as the Archaic Period over 5,000 years ago. The park stands to preserve this precious past and educate locals about Jupiter’s rich history. 

Not only does the park boast an impressive story dating back thousands of years but it also provides the people of south Florida with a beautiful place to relax and kick back. Battlefield Park spans 680 acres and features covered picnic pavilions,

Just off the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, the Islands of Jupiter is at the north point of Jupiter at the beginning of Martin County. Panoramic waterfront views of the Loxahatchee River are available with direct access to the waterway. Several homes offer direct ocean access just minutes away through the Jupiter Inlet. One of Florida's most unique treasures, the Loxahatchee River meanders through freshwater creeks, down into a brackish estuary, and finally empties through the Jupiter Inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Islands of Jupiter is a luxurious gated community of 105 must see custom upscale residences.  These riverfront estates are extended over four islands that John D. MacArthur had originally commissioned for development. It is