By Nick Andrews
mail@floridanewsline.com
Alpine Groves Park, in Switzerland, is not only a great place to walk along the park’s scenic trails, but it also offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of Mandarin orange production in the area. The St. Johns River has provided a landscape that helped to create a rich cultural heritage in the area.
Alpine Groves Park is home to a circa 1900s farmhouse, which was built on a historic orange plantation. The Friends of Alpine Groves Park offer monthly tours and provide visitors with stories that give a glimpse into the lives of those who worked and lived on the plantation, and who helped to shape the present-day community. The tour guides will bring the history of the farm to life, making it a fun and educational experience for all.
The park has more to offer than historical tours — it’s also a scenic place for families to take photographs, with natural scenery creating picturesque backgrounds for any family portrait. Alpine Groves Park is also an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to glimpse a diverse range of birds, including the majestic bald eagle.
The park offers amenities such as playgrounds and picnic tables, as well as hiking trails and a fishing pier.
The next round of tours by the Friends of Alpine Groves Park will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Check the group’s Facebook page for more information or to inquire about any other scheduled events.
Nick Andrews is a member of the Friends of Alpine Groves Park.
Photo courtesy Friends of Alpine Groves Park
Alpine Groves Park’s circa 1900s farmhouse.
