Why I Take the Backroads: A Peaceful Stop at Manatee Springs State Park

People often ask why it takes me so long to drive between Florida and Minnesota.

The simple answer is: I do not rush the journey.

When I make the drive, I like to give myself four or five days, sometimes more, and trade the interstate for backroads whenever I can. For me, the road trip is not just about getting from one place to another. It is part of the adventure.

My first stop on this trip was Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, and it was exactly the kind of pause I needed.

My first stop on this trip was Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida, and it was exactly the kind of pause I needed.

I pulled over for a self-guided nature walk beneath towering trees and alongside crystal-clear spring water that eventually flows into the Suwannee River. The trail was peaceful, the air was calm, and the quiet beauty of the park felt like a reset. After hours of driving, my nervous system was grateful for the break.

As I walked, I noticed unusual stumps rising up along the riverbank and throughout the forest floor. They caught my attention right away. Do you know what they are? I will share the answer later. 😉