Trapper Nelson

Pontoon Tour Boat "Loxahatchee River Queen III"

Stopped here for Manatees

One of the more interesting activities at Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a tour of the Loxahatchee river. While the river itself is great, make sure you book a tour when the boat will stop at Trapper Nelson's compound. Trapper Nelson was a real character who owned much of the land that is now the park. He ran a small zoo and the rangers will tell you about his life and adventures. The ride is $20 whether they stop at Trapper Nelson's or not.

Eight of us embarked from the River Landing and headed up the Loxahatchee, Seminole for "River of Turtles." We quickly left civilization behind as the boat meandered upstream. Mangroves and palms line the shores instead of mansions and golf courses. Birds, turtles, and manatees provided company along the way.  It is one of the few rivers in Florida to be designated "Wild and Scenic" by the federal government. The beam of the boat couldn't be much wider and still squeeze between the vegetation creeping out into the river as one approaches Trapper Nelson's. The landing reminded me of the Jungle River cruise at Disney World. A ranger met us at the dock to guide us around a fire ant nest (thank you!) as we went ashore. She then gave us a guided tour of the site and answered all our questions. Nelson led a very interesting and unique life combining some of the traits of hermits, entrepreneurs, and tarzan. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this unique pocket of Florida.

Vultures

Beth protected from the sun

Osprey

Osprey Nest

Slider 

Turtle Pen and Soup Pot

Trapper's Jeep

Boathouse

Dock (not accessible at high tide)