FORT COOPER STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller July 9, 2025

Fort Cooper State Park is in Inverness, Florida. It covers 710 acres around Lake Holathlikaha. The park preserves a historic site from the Second Seminole War.

Visitors enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. A replica fort marks the site of the original.

The park connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail. It’s a quiet spot for history and nature lovers.  

Fort Cooper State Park

In 1836, Major Mark Anthony Cooper built a log fort here. It protected sick and wounded U.S. soldiers during the Second Seminole War.

Seminole warriors, led by Osceola, attacked the fort for 16 days. The soldiers held their ground until General Winfield Scott arrived with supplies.

The fort was used until 1842 for reconnaissance. Nothing remains of the original structure.

The park opened in 1970 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. An annual reenactment relives the battle. 

The park is at 3100 S. Old Floral City Road, Inverness, Florida 34450. From I-95, take Exit 329 to SR 44 west, then US 41 south, turn left on Eden Drive, and right on Old Floral City Road.

It’s open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Call 352-726-0315 for canoe rentals or event details. The Seminole Heritage Trail has interpretive kiosks.

Bring bug spray and water for trails. Leashed pets are allowed but not on the beach or in water. Check the website for the March reenactment schedule.  

• The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. 

• Lake Holathlikaha’s name means “many lakes” in Seminole.  

• The fort’s replica is at the southwest corner, near the original site. 

• Over 5,000 bats live in the park’s bat house, eating millions of insects nightly.  

• The Seminole Heritage Trail covers 1.5 miles with four kiosks on Seminole life. 

• The park connects to the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail for biking.  

• Gopher tortoises, a threatened species, are common in the sandhill area. 

• The park’s oak hammocks and longleaf pine forests are being restored. 

FORT COOPER STATE PARK WEBSITE

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