SEMINOLE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Florida's Natural Choice
 .



Parks and Preservation

Big Tree Park



                       Recreational Opportunities
              Pavilion  boardwalk  Trail  picnic  camera  hiking

This park is located on the beautifully shaded General Hutchinson Parkway between U.S. 17-92 and State Road 427 north of Longwood and serves as a Trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail.  The park is a step back in time.  Walk through a natural hydric hammock swamp as you make your way on the boardwalk to "The Senator", the park's main attraction a 3,500 year old Bald Cypress. This property was donated to Seminole County by Senator M.O. Overstreet and dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929.  Another giant to see from the boardwalk is "Lady Liberty" , the Senator's companion tree!


The Senator

On March 2, Big Tree Park was re-opened to the public after being closed for almost a year after the fire that destroyed "The Senator."  A memorial was developed and includes interpretive signage along the newly renovated boardwalk, a playground piece that mimics a bald cypress tree stump and a clone of "The Senator" that was planted near the playground.  The name for the clone is "The Phoenix."

The Phoenix
1950
Historic

Bookertown Pavilion
                                                                                                                                   

  Today
The Senator Today
 
More Information:  Big Tree Brochure

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
Hours of Operation and Contact Information

Daily 8:00 AM to Dusk
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Greenways and Natural Lands Division
845 Lake Markham Rd
Sanford, Fl 32771

Phone: 407-665-2180
Fax: 407-665-2179