If you are considering visiting Leasburg, Florida, then you have many options. Whether you want to relax or enjoy the natural beauty of the area, there are plenty of things to do. Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Leasburg. Also, you can enjoy Lake Harris State Park and Lake Griffin State Park.
Dodona Manor
Dodona Manor is a historic mansion in Leasburg that is open to the public. Visitors can take exterior self-guided tours of the house. There is also a docent-led tour for a fee. The manor is located at 312 East Market Street.
The mansion was home to General George C. Marshall and his family. It is now used to preserve the Marshall legacy. The mansion is renovated to museum standards and exhibits depict the Marshall family’s lives. The property is also used to host educational programs, historical exhibits, and community events. This place contributes to the unique character of the town of Leasburg.
Dodona Manor is unique among historic houses. It was built by the Marshall family and nearly 90% of the furnishings and memorabilia were donated by the Marshall family or their descendants. Unfortunately, the home had fallen into disrepair over the years. To preserve its historical value, the Marshall Center commissioned Dr. William Seale to create detailed plans to conserve the house and its collections.
Dodona Manor was the home of General and Mrs. George C. Marshall, who were Nobel Peace Prize recipients. The restored home features a special exhibit on the Marshall Plan and how it helped rebuild Europe after World War II. Visitors can take a tour of the house with an informative and charming tour guide.
Dodona Manor is a historical site in Leasburg, Virginia. It is an important memorial for the Marshall family. It is the home of the Marshalls, who wrote the Marshall Plan during World War II. The Marshalls lived there from 1805 to 1826 and it is the perfect place to visit for history buffs. The house contains over 90% of their original furnishings.
Lake Griffin State Park
If you’re looking for a place to visit in Leasburg, Florida, you may want to check out Lake Griffin State Park. This Florida State Park is two miles north of the city. You can reach the park via U.S. Highway 441 south of Ocala. The park is home to one of the state’s largest live oak trees.
Visitors will also be able to take advantage of the lake’s boat ramp. The boat ramp is wheelchair accessible and offers fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. Since Lake Griffin is a managed fishery, you will need a license if you’re a non-resident or under age 16. You must follow all regulations before fishing. The park also has kayaks and canoes for rent.
In addition to Lake Griffin, you can also visit the nearby Bourlay Historic Nature Park. The park contains an old ‘Cracker’ house and many walking trails. It is an ideal spot for families and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors. While you’re in Leesburg, make sure you check out the nearby parks.
The park’s two-mile-long hiking trail is open to the public. It passes through different habitats, including pinelands, swamps, and marshes. You can also spot wildlife like bobcats, coyotes, and bears. There is also a ranger station that provides guided hikes. You can even take a look at Florida’s second-largest live oak tree, which is thought to be more than 400 years old.
Lake Harris
Lake Harris is a large body of water in Lake County, Florida, located 31 miles northwest of Orlando. It is a sub-watershed of the St. Johns River and part of the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin. The lake is one of seven that make up the Harris Chain of Lakes, also known as the “Ocklawaha Chain.”
In addition to its popular fishing holes, there are many other things to do in and around Lake Harris. For example, you can stroll along the waterfront, watch the sunrise at Venetian Gardens, or shop at the many stores along Main Street in Downtown Leasburg. And if you’re looking for a relaxing lunch spot, consider the Lake Harris Hideaway, which sits on the eastern shore of the lake. This cozy lakeside restaurant features simple home cooking, as well as a relaxing atmosphere.
The town is also home to a variety of parks and recreational areas, including the Harris Chain of Lakes. Visitors can rent a boat and enjoy the water activities available on the lake. A nearby marina offers amenities for passing boaters and a waterfront deck for people to view the lake.
Fishing in Lake Harris is a popular activity, especially during the winter. Bigmouth bass can be found in the deep waters along the edges of vegetation, and anglers can catch them with topwater plugs or crankbaits. Black crappie are also commonly found in the lake and prefer to float on the open waters.
The Harris Chain of Lakes also includes Lake Eustis, Little Lake Harris, and Lake Griffin. Together, these lakes make up the Oklawaha River Basin. The lakes are linked by canals and rivers and ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean.
Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
If you want to see a gorgeous natural area, you should visit the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area, a 7,089-acre U.S. conservation area located east of Lake Griffin State Park. The area encompasses parts of Marion and Lake counties. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in December 1974.
This area is a favorite with recreation enthusiasts and nature lovers. It has plenty of wildlife and short hiking trails that meander through the marsh and along Lake Griffin. It also boasts a large American alligator population. Visiting the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is a great way to enjoy nature and the great outdoors without the hassle of driving.
There are many things to do in Leesburg, Florida, from hiking trails to bird watching. The Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area has an observation tower and boating opportunities. You can also enjoy beautiful walks along the trails. The area is accessible by car from February to May. If you have a business in Leasburg, you may want to purchase floor decals. You can also use vinyl stickers to decorate the interior of your business.
If you are interested in local history, you can visit the Bourlay Historic Nature Park. It is home to the first Methodist service and the first steamboat landing in Leesburg. The park also features a variety of different habitats and six hiking trails totaling 2.22 miles. If you want to get a little more physical, you can also go for off-road cycling or kayaking. The park also features ten exercise stations, if you’re looking to stay in shape.
Another wonderful place to visit in Leasburg is Evander Lee Park. The park covers 88 acres on the south shore of Lake Griffin. The park was once the homestead of Evander Lee, the founder of Leesburg. It was passed down through various owners before being donated to the city.
Rust Nature Sanctuary
Rust Nature Sanctuary is open all year long and offers a variety of programs for kids. Kids ages five and younger can take part in the Fresh Air Kids program, which focuses on nature-based crafts. The park also offers a variety of birthday party options. Guests can choose from one of seven themed parties, which include hikes and crafts.
Visitors can explore the 68-acre nature reserve at the Rust Nature Sanctuary, which is run by the Audubon Naturalist Society. The park includes beautiful meadows, forests, and ponds, as well as a sandpit for young children. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Visitors are encouraged to observe the wildlife and abide by social distancing protocol and to remove trash.