Explore Florida, Indiana Jones-Style

Adventure is on the Horizon in the Sunshine State

Tallahassee, Fla. (May 21, 2008) – The summer blockbuster season is heating up with the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the Sunshine State has the perfect opportunities to help put some of that sizzle from the screen into your next vacation. While Professor Jones spends his summer evading evil Soviets and scouring the globe for the Crystal Skull of Akator, you can experience action and exploration of your own through an array of thrilling activities. No matter how daring you might be, Florida offers adventures suited for Indiana Jones’ of all ages. Search out artifacts and make discoveries of your own at one of the many archaeological sites in the Sunshine State, or get your adrenaline pumping with daring escapades like sky diving or swimming with sharks. Summertime is a great time to grab your fedora and leather jacket and set out on an adventure that even Indy would envy!

STATEWIDE

You never know what kind of artifacts you might stumble across at one of Florida’s State parks or historic archeological sites, including Mission San Luis, Suwannee River State Park, Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Letchworth Mounds State Park, Maclay Gardens State Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Madira Bickel Mound State Archeological Site, Mound Key Archeological State Park and Wakulla Springs State Park. Many of these parks offer other adventurous outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming and camping.
(850) 245-2157, www.floridastateparks.org.

Dive deep underwater in search of shipwrecks and lost treasure at one of the state’s eleven Underwater Preserves. Each site is interpreted by an underwater plaque; a brochure and laminated underwater guides are available from local dive shops. The parks are open to the public year-round, free of charge.
(850) 245-6444, www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/preserves.  

NORTH

SUWANNEE – Explore hidden tunnels while cave diving on the Suwannee River. From the beginning of time, the Suwannee River has been cutting it way through the landscape of Florida. Prehistoric bones and teeth have been discovered by many of those who have dared to explore the dark waters of this beautiful river. Dive the clear waters of first magnitude springs, such as Manatee or Fanning, or visit the City of Hawkinsville. 1-800-458-2628, WWW.MillersMarinaofSuwannee.Com.

MILTON (Near Pensacola) – Take a row down the wild side with Adventures Unlimited, which offers canoeing, kayaking, tubing and camping along the Blackwater River in Northwest Florida. Test your skills on the largest and highest ropes course on the Gulf Coast. Pitch a tent for the night, or stay in one of the rustic cabins available for rental. Families of all ages and sizes can get in on the adventure.
(800) 239-6864, www.adventuresunlimited.com.

CENTRAL

TAMPA – Join experienced trip leaders on an escape through Florida to explore wonders right in your own backyard. Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) offers outdoor camp programs for individuals interested in uncovering Florida’s past. MOSI’s Great Escapes program takes guests on a guided tour of various outdoor locations and lets them play the role of real historians. Activities include a fossil dig at Vulcan Mine, an archeological adventure at a nearby site and cave exploration in the Withlacoochee State Forest.  Great Escapes are ideal for adults and families who want to experience hands-on, educational outdoor explorations.
(813) 987-6000, [Back to Press Releases Main]