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The history at Big Tree Park is mind blowing. When I explained the age of The Senator at 3,500 years old to my kid he understandably couldn't get his head around it. Tragically The Senator was burned to basically ashes in an act of arson but the pieces recovered were given to local artists to create new art and are on display at the history of Seminole county museum. They also took a sapling and planted it by the playground so the Senator lives on through its offspring The Phoenix. Great playground and nice bathrooms right next to it. They also have great workout stations for adults to use right next to the playground so you can actively watch your kids while you work out. There are covered pavilion picnic tables and ample trash cans available as well. We love Big Tree Park!
Big Tree Park is a park set around "The Senator," a huge Cypress tree that was estimated to be 3,500 years old and sadly, was burned and destroyed by arson on January 16, 2012. The stump of the tree still remains and there is also "The Phoenix," which scientists cloned from branches of The Senator. It is a wonderful smaller park and I would definitely a visit here to embrace the winder and strength of nature and perhaps offer a prayer that we humans be free of the pettiness and selfishness that allowed someone to burn a 3,500 year old tree.
From the outside looking in; Big tree park might not look like much, but immediately you feel a sense of history here. Once you drive into the parking lot, you'll see the information booth as well as the open gate leading you to that eerie and solitary wooden boardwalk. It was foggy that morning, so it reminded me of the intro of those episodes from the 90's of that show tales from the dark side, remember that show on the scifi channel? Well anyway, the allure of this park use to be a significantly wide and tall tree named 'The Senator' that has been in existence here in Florida for thousands of years until it first was dealt a devastating blow by one of the hurricanes, so the top of it was blown literally off, and then, to make matters worse, some incredibly ignorant, and moronic individual burnt it to a tragic shell of what it once was. When you look at the remains, you can't help but hang your head, not only feeling a deep sadness over the malicious treatment of a once beautiful tree, but also anger over people purposely destroying what is not theirs to take in the first place. Don't be surprised when you see that the distance of the wooden board walk is not much, maybe about a quarter of a mile, if that. There is another trail that leads to a bridge and that's about 3 miles to and from the park. You will happen upon a small brook that is very pretty. You might also happen upon various birds, I can't name them all, but I recognized the hawks perching up on the branches and looking at me like: "what you doin here?" It was very amusing. I find overall it was nice to visit, but I don't know that its a park I'd want to return to. There's really not much to do other than walk, and see the tragic remains of that poor tree.
We went out of our way to make a pit stop at this park to see the remains of the Senator and Lady Liberty. If anything, this park is a physical reminder of human stupidity. The Senator was once a huge and majestic Cypress tree that was thousands of years old and then was burned down by a stupid methhead in 2012. Lady Liberty is another big tree in the area but not as impressive as the Senator. It peaked the interest of my wife and children for about five minutes and then we were off to the playground to stretch our legs before we got back into the car. It was neat to read up on some of the history of the area and to see the big trees in their natural habitat but honestly, it is just not the same without the Senator and we were a bit underwhelmed. I did get a laugh at the passive aggressive postings onsite that explained how the Senator withstood everything that was thrown at it except for "human stupidity". So true. I suggest coming here at least once to marvel at the one of the largest stumps in the United States and picturing just what it might have been to stare up at the Senator towering over the local swamp. And for good measure, go down the slide once or twice.
This park during fall is beautiful! The playground is big enough to keep an eye on multiple kids. Plus it's fenced in. From there to see the senator, what was America's biggest tree. The. Visit lady liberty. Second biggest tree. Opportunity to teach ourselves and the kids Gods beautiful creations.
Easy access to the trail and there's a short boardwalk that leads to the remains of the Senator, a 3500 year old cypress tree that was burned down in 2012. Sadly, I never saw this beloved tree. Close by there's the majestic Liberty Tree. This tree and the remains of The Senator are protected by a huge iron fence. There's a children's playground and restrooms. Next to the playground, you will see The Phoenix, a clone of The Senator. Gorgeous park. Perfect for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon.
Great trees and bad people The 'Senator" was a 3,500 year old cypress tree, one of the very largest and oldest cypress trees in the world. An incredible piece of nature that just took your breath away to look at. It withstood hurricanes and everything time and the world could throw at it. However it could not withstand the stupidity and arrogance of one woman. On Jan 16th, 2012, a young fool decided the venerable old tree would be a pleasant place to smoke some methamphetamine. She decided to build a little fire to better see what she was doing and ended up burning down the great old tree. Instead of doing the sensible thing of calling 911, she took pictures of the poor tree burning and sent them out to her friends, bragging about how she burned down a tree older than Jesus. Fortunately one of her meth head buddies did have a conscience and reported her to the police. Of course she is pleading innocent and her trial is still pending. The park was closed for over a year but reopened on March of 2013. The tree is just a burnt stump now but the "Lady Liberty", a youthful 2,000 year old gigantic cypress is still there and worth a trip to see. Fortunately the grand old tree was cloned before it was destroyed and one of the young and relatively tiny clones of The Senator is now standing in the park. It made me so sad to see the great old tree now just a stump, destroyed by some thoughtless fool with a meth pipe but it was nice to see the little cypress clone reaching for the sky. All we have to do is wait another couple of thousands years for it to reach it's full glory. I wonder if the meth head is still bragging about her accomplishment.
My husband and I stopped by the park one Sunday after lunch with friends. I thought "Hey, let's go see one of Earth's oldest trees." so in a snap decision we swung in. The park itself is pretty small and the tree is near the end of the wooden path about 600ft in. I've gotta say it was pretty darned impressive. Even the sister tree "Lady Liberty" at 2000 yrs old is kinda awesome as well. If you're into nerdy science-y Earth stuff, this is certainly a fun way to waste a half hour or so on your way in or out of Sanford. Stop by and say "HI" to the Senator, for he is old and wise ;)
Nice little park to visit now and then. It's a trailhead for Cross Seminole Trail. This is usually my turning/break spot on the trail when I go for a bike ride. I would bring my own water and snacks and sit at one of the picnic tables. Nice relaxing park to take a walk through an unwind or get away for a bit. Park has been closed since the burning of the senator. It was one of the oldest cypress tree in the US.
Popped by Big Tree Park this past weekend, and what a nice little park. It is located within the Spring Hamock Preserve. The park is home to The Senator, a large cypress tree that was 3,500 years old (sadly, it was mostly burned down in a fire), and Lady Liberty, aged 2,000 years (to name a few). While the trees themselves are the lure, the park does have some amenities like a playground, public restrooms, and areas to sit down, eat, and relax. The park has raised walkways, and the canopy of overhead tree coverage creates a cool escape from the Florida sun. Just come prepared with some bug spray - the mosquitoes are at play with all the humidity. Also, they have a handful of plaques throughout the park that provide a brief history of the trees and the park itself. All in all, it was a quick little side quest with a nice little history lesson infused. There is a good amount of parking, and it is truly a quiet and peaceful little park. If you are in the area, it's worth the detour. read more
Big Tree Park is located in a corner of Spring Hamock Preserve. The park is famous for having the The Senator, a champion bald cypress that was 3,500 years old. The tree was named for State Senator Moses Overstreet, who owned the land around the tree and donated it to the county in 1927 for use as a park. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge visited the Senator for the park's dedication. The Senator was a popular tourist stop for many years. The Seminole Tribe of Florida used the tall cypress as a landmark, and in the 1800's sightseers paid for buggy rides through the swamp, then hopped a series of logs to make it to the tree. A boardwalk was added to make it easier to access The Senator. Sadly it burned down in 2012 in an arson fire caused by a drug addict. Visitors to the park can see the remains of The Senator along with some informational signage. Big Tree Park is also home to Lady Liberty, a 2,000 year old historic Bald Cypress, and the Phoenix, a genetic clone of The Senator. While the trees are the real draw to the park it also has a cute playground in the center island, which lets kids play inside a replica of a cypress trunk. There is a picnic pavilion and restrooms if you want to bring a lunch. Big Tree Park is a stop on the Cross Seminole Trail used by cyclists and runners. read more
7 months ago
Big Tree Park is a bit out of the way, but it's worth the trip. The raised walkways make it easy to see the massive, historic trees up close, and it's a peaceful place to wander. The playground is decent, though it could definitely use a little more shade on hot days. read more
2 years ago
The history at Big Tree Park is mind blowing. When I explained the age of The Senator at 3,500 years old to my kid he understandably couldn't get his head around it. Tragically The Senator was burned to basically ashes in an act of arson but the pieces recovered were given to local artists to create new art and are on display at the history of Seminole county museum. They also took a sapling and planted it by the playground so the Senator lives on through its offspring The Phoenix. Great playground and nice bathrooms right next to it. They also have great workout stations for adults to use right next to the playground so you can actively watch your kids while you work out. There are covered pavilion picnic tables and ample trash cans available as well. We love Big Tree Park! read more
1 year ago
Big Tree Park is a park set around "The Senator," a huge Cypress tree that was estimated to be 3,500 years old and sadly, was burned and destroyed by arson on January 16, 2012. The stump of the tree still remains and there is also "The Phoenix," which scientists cloned from branches of The Senator. It is a wonderful smaller park and I would definitely a visit here to embrace the winder and strength of nature and perhaps offer a prayer that we humans be free of the pettiness and selfishness that allowed someone to burn a 3,500 year old tree. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
From the outside looking in; Big tree park might not look like much, but immediately you feel a sense of history here. Once you drive into the parking lot, you'll see the information booth as well as the open gate leading you to that eerie and solitary wooden boardwalk. It was foggy that morning, so it reminded me of the intro of those episodes from the 90's of that show tales from the dark side, remember that show on the scifi channel? Well anyway, the allure of this park use to be a significantly wide and tall tree named 'The Senator' that has been in existence here in Florida for thousands of years until it first was dealt a devastating blow by one of the hurricanes, so the top of it was blown literally off, and then, to make matters worse, some incredibly ignorant, and moronic individual burnt it to a tragic shell of what it once was. When you look at the remains, you can't help but hang your head, not only feeling a deep sadness over the malicious treatment of a once beautiful tree, but also anger over people purposely destroying what is not theirs to take in the first place. Don't be surprised when you see that the distance of the wooden board walk is not much, maybe about a quarter of a mile, if that. There is another trail that leads to a bridge and that's about 3 miles to and from the park. You will happen upon a small brook that is very pretty. You might also happen upon various birds, I can't name them all, but I recognized the hawks perching up on the branches and looking at me like: "what you doin here?" It was very amusing. I find overall it was nice to visit, but I don't know that its a park I'd want to return to. There's really not much to do other than walk, and see the tragic remains of that poor tree. read more
8 years ago
We went out of our way to make a pit stop at this park to see the remains of the Senator and Lady Liberty. If anything, this park is a physical reminder of human stupidity. The Senator was once a huge and majestic Cypress tree that was thousands of years old and then was burned down by a stupid methhead in 2012. Lady Liberty is another big tree in the area but not as impressive as the Senator. It peaked the interest of my wife and children for about five minutes and then we were off to the playground to stretch our legs before we got back into the car. It was neat to read up on some of the history of the area and to see the big trees in their natural habitat but honestly, it is just not the same without the Senator and we were a bit underwhelmed. I did get a laugh at the passive aggressive postings onsite that explained how the Senator withstood everything that was thrown at it except for "human stupidity". So true. I suggest coming here at least once to marvel at the one of the largest stumps in the United States and picturing just what it might have been to stare up at the Senator towering over the local swamp. And for good measure, go down the slide once or twice. read more
6 years ago
This park during fall is beautiful! The playground is big enough to keep an eye on multiple kids. Plus it's fenced in. From there to see the senator, what was America's biggest tree. The. Visit lady liberty. Second biggest tree. Opportunity to teach ourselves and the kids Gods beautiful creations. read more
10 years ago
Easy access to the trail and there's a short boardwalk that leads to the remains of the Senator, a 3500 year old cypress tree that was burned down in 2012. Sadly, I never saw this beloved tree. Close by there's the majestic Liberty Tree. This tree and the remains of The Senator are protected by a huge iron fence. There's a children's playground and restrooms. Next to the playground, you will see The Phoenix, a clone of The Senator. Gorgeous park. Perfect for a stroll on a Sunday afternoon. read more
7 years ago
14 years ago
Great trees and bad people The 'Senator" was a 3,500 year old cypress tree, one of the very largest and oldest cypress trees in the world. An incredible piece of nature that just took your breath away to look at. It withstood hurricanes and everything time and the world could throw at it. However it could not withstand the stupidity and arrogance of one woman. On Jan 16th, 2012, a young fool decided the venerable old tree would be a pleasant place to smoke some methamphetamine. She decided to build a little fire to better see what she was doing and ended up burning down the great old tree. Instead of doing the sensible thing of calling 911, she took pictures of the poor tree burning and sent them out to her friends, bragging about how she burned down a tree older than Jesus. Fortunately one of her meth head buddies did have a conscience and reported her to the police. Of course she is pleading innocent and her trial is still pending. The park was closed for over a year but reopened on March of 2013. The tree is just a burnt stump now but the "Lady Liberty", a youthful 2,000 year old gigantic cypress is still there and worth a trip to see. Fortunately the grand old tree was cloned before it was destroyed and one of the young and relatively tiny clones of The Senator is now standing in the park. It made me so sad to see the great old tree now just a stump, destroyed by some thoughtless fool with a meth pipe but it was nice to see the little cypress clone reaching for the sky. All we have to do is wait another couple of thousands years for it to reach it's full glory. I wonder if the meth head is still bragging about her accomplishment. read more
17 years ago
My husband and I stopped by the park one Sunday after lunch with friends. I thought "Hey, let's go see one of Earth's oldest trees." so in a snap decision we swung in. The park itself is pretty small and the tree is near the end of the wooden path about 600ft in. I've gotta say it was pretty darned impressive. Even the sister tree "Lady Liberty" at 2000 yrs old is kinda awesome as well. If you're into nerdy science-y Earth stuff, this is certainly a fun way to waste a half hour or so on your way in or out of Sanford. Stop by and say "HI" to the Senator, for he is old and wise ;) read more
Nice little park to visit now and then. It's a trailhead for Cross Seminole Trail. This is usually my turning/break spot on the trail when I go for a bike ride. I would bring my own water and snacks and sit at one of the picnic tables. Nice relaxing park to take a walk through an unwind or get away for a bit. Park has been closed since the burning of the senator. It was one of the oldest cypress tree in the US. read more
14 years ago
11 years ago
Well shaded and nicely kept when I visited. Although like most parks, the bathrooms are in dire need of an upgrade...that's probably the worst complaint I can muster up...of course next to the upset I felt when I saw poor Old Senator nothing but a 3,500 year old charred, wasted tree. I can't even tell you the sheer sadness I felt to know this tree survived wars, droughts, mother nature, was visited by a president, viewed and loved by soooo many....to go down in flames at the ignorance and negligence of one human in our day and age! I digress... The playground is great, the boardwalk is new and stroller friendly. What a lovely place to have a picnic, a walk, relax, and appreciate nature. read more
"Of all man's works of art, a cathedral is greatest. A vast and majestic tree is greater than that." - Henry Ward Beecher And what a majestic tree The Senator was! It towered more than 129 feet tall, making it the biggest and oldest pond cypress tree in the world, which makes its demise even more unfortunate. I never got to see The Senator in person as I am over 3 years late, but can only imagine how awe-inspiring it was. I read an article that stated it was the Orlando area's most visited tourist site, before Walt Disney World. Just to give you an idea of what a veteran this tree was, this tree witnessed the Magna Carta being enacted, saw the destruction of the ancient city of Pompeii, Christ's birth, Cleopatra's reign, and was a sapling at the time of Stonehenge's construction. It was also a regional landmark for the Seminole Indians and other settlers in the area. If this tree could talk, what stories it would tell! The Senator was the 5th oldest tree in the world. People from all over the world came to see it. It was named for Senator Overstreet who donated the cypress and land around it to the people of Seminole County. On January 16, 2012, The Senator was burned down by a drug addict that was seeking some light in order to light up her meth pipe. The park was closed to the public while a memorial was built and a clone, named The Phoenix, was planted. They also rebuilt the boardwalk. It reopened on March 2, 2014. The charred remains of the tree now stand only 20 to 25 feet (6.1 to 7.6 m) tall. Since admission is free and you can still see The Senator's companion tree named Lady Liberty, it's still worth going. You can see the charred remains and try to imagine what The Senator looked like in its grandiosity, while taking a moment of silence in its memory. You can also check out The Phoenix clone, and Lady Liberty which is 89 feet (27 m) high 10 feet (3.0 m) in diameter, and is estimated to be 2000 years old; another one of the oldest trees in the world. There is a small boardwalk that takes you through the trees, and there is also a children's playground. Bike trails are also available, though they can be muddy depending on the time of year. While some might find it depressing to look at a burned stump, I think it'd be a great place to take kids, not only to enjoy nature and the playground at the park, but also to teach them a lesson about the dangers of drugs. People think the only ones they are affecting by using drugs are themselves, but as this story proves, that is not true. By following the example of Sara Barnes and vandalizing nature for selfish means, you're robbing the world and future generations of a majestic sight. read more
7 years ago
Big tree "Senator" is almost gone. Only a little root. Lady Liberty is there. You only can watch her from the trail. Park is small. read more
7 years ago
18 years ago
This little park (and I really do mean little) is worth checking out, but don't expect to spend more than 30 mins here if all you're looking to do is see The Senator (and its "bff" Lady Liberty). I do appreciate the cleanliness and organization of the park, though. I might return some day with a few friends for a nice picnic. Now I'm going to be annoying and say that even though The Senator is impressively tall, I had a little bit of a "wah-wah-waaaaaah" moment when I saw it because I was stupidly expecting it to be as tall the redwoods I'm used to in the West Coast. Nowhere near. At all. But hey, it's the tallest Cypress tree. Just remember that. Cypress does not equal Redwood. And when I got over my disappointment, I actually learned to appreciate it. Think about it...it's been around long enough to see this sad world of ours go through just about the fastest changes ever in terms of technology, environment and population. Moral of the story: don't get your hopes up too high! (Hah!) read more
10 years ago
I'm heading back home today and thought I would take a stop here since it was so highly rated. This is a fun little place to bring your family maybe to have like a little birthday party and get a little history on nature and enjoy it. It wasn't as fun as I thought it would be I like really walking in nature and going on hikes so if I were to say choose between this place are black bear wilderness Park I would say go with black bear the trail was amazing there and it had the same overall feel of this nature. This is a very peaceful place however and I would definitely come back but if I wanted to be active I would be going to Black Bear. The one thing that I find amazing out here is there was a little bike Workshop thing and we could never have anything like that in California people would have used it so much and out here it's nice to know that people appreciate things like that. I'm definitely going to miss Florida! read more
11 years ago
This park is beautiful. It is right near the seminal trail so you could go ahead and bike and rollerblade through the trail. I however did not make it in time to see the Senator but the other trees that are there are gorgeous. The best thing about this park is the stillness and quietness throughout the park. There is a sense of peace and calm which I like. I am sad about the drug addict burning down the tree. But the fact that the cloned it and started anew is great. At this park is a small playground for children and park benches. Just have a peaceful picnic here one day. read more
10 years ago
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A well maintained boardwalk essentially takes you from the parking lot into what feels like the heart of a jungle within 1 minute. Continue on the boardwalk for 5-10 minutes until you reach the senators formidable, charred trunk and the sister tree lady liberty which remains. Benches at the end to sit down and chat with your date or contemplate life as you view shades of green and hear birds calling to each other. Two times I went I saw only a handful of people within 30 mins I was there. read more
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More info about Big Tree Park
761 General Hutchinson Pkwy
Longwood, FL 32750
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(407) 321-1693
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The park itself is not that big at all - it's not a trail. There's a boardwalk to lead to the trunk attractions, which takes but minutes to cover. There's a playground for kids, which means you can spend as little or as much time as you wish here.
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3 years ago
