Overview: Martin County's Hosford Park isn't by any stretch a destination in and of itself, but it does offer three major attractions that make it worth a quick stop. First, it's an easy drive off Interstate 95. Second, it's situated between two major destinations, Halpatiokee Regional Park and Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park. Third, it sits on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. We viewed it as more of a way station between stops.
Any place with access to water is worthy of a little exploration. At only five acres, Hosford Park makes for a quick stop. The park itself is an open collection of slash pines, cabbage palms, figs and live oak trees.
History: This is one of the oldest parks in Stuart, and one of the oldest in the region. In 1934, horticulturalist Ed L. Hosford donated five acres on the St. Lucie for use as a park. Hosford was one the area's early residents. He worked for railroad magnate Henry Flagler and helped design and landscape the Roy Ponciana Hotel in Palm Beach.
What You'll See: During our visit, we spotted a varied collection of ground-hugging butterflies and moths, a few birds, including a white ibis, some wild flowers and a gray squirrel. It's not hard to imagine manatee frolicking in the river, alligators prowling and wading birds looking for a meal, making Hosford Park worthy of a look.
Amenities: There is a dock that provides easy access to the St. Lucie River and a boat ramp. The only other amenities are parking and a picnic table or two. There is plenty of parking.
Nearby: Halpatiokee Regional Park, Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park and Deloplaine Preserve are all within five minutes of Hodford Park and all lie along the banks of the St. Lucie. Kiplinger Preserve is a little farther away along Kanner Highway.
Of Note: Admission is free.
Cover Photo: The view of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River as seen through a stand of common cattails.
Any place with access to water is worthy of a little exploration. At only five acres, Hosford Park makes for a quick stop. The park itself is an open collection of slash pines, cabbage palms, figs and live oak trees.
History: This is one of the oldest parks in Stuart, and one of the oldest in the region. In 1934, horticulturalist Ed L. Hosford donated five acres on the St. Lucie for use as a park. Hosford was one the area's early residents. He worked for railroad magnate Henry Flagler and helped design and landscape the Roy Ponciana Hotel in Palm Beach.
What You'll See: During our visit, we spotted a varied collection of ground-hugging butterflies and moths, a few birds, including a white ibis, some wild flowers and a gray squirrel. It's not hard to imagine manatee frolicking in the river, alligators prowling and wading birds looking for a meal, making Hosford Park worthy of a look.
Amenities: There is a dock that provides easy access to the St. Lucie River and a boat ramp. The only other amenities are parking and a picnic table or two. There is plenty of parking.
Nearby: Halpatiokee Regional Park, Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park and Deloplaine Preserve are all within five minutes of Hodford Park and all lie along the banks of the St. Lucie. Kiplinger Preserve is a little farther away along Kanner Highway.
Of Note: Admission is free.
Cover Photo: The view of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River as seen through a stand of common cattails.
