History

In 1947 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on the Jim Woodruff Dam and Lock. The dam is located at the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers and above the Apalachicola River. The dam created Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre lake surrounded mostly by undeveloped natural areas and wildlife management areas.

Certain properties around the lake were designated to be for recreational use by the Corps of Engineers. In 1955, one of these was leased to the State of Florida and that's when Three Rivers became a Florida state park.

For over 60 years, Three Rivers State Park has offered visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with their families and friends.

Camping, fishing, hiking and biking have been long-time favorites as well as weddings and family reunions. Generations of local residents and returning visitors have made lifetime memories at Three Rivers State Park. 

The area also has a rich history. In the early 1800s, William Augustus Bowles, who married into the local native tribes, began raiding Spanish interests in the Gulf. Before his capture, Bowles had established a trading post along the Chattahoochee River just north of where the park is now. 

Before Hurricane Michael, Three Rivers State Park had a full canopy of pine and mixed hardwoods. A continued prescribed fire regimen will promote natural regeneration and restoration of the unique habitat that family, friends and pirates once roamed.

As we move forward, the staff at Three Rivers is dedicated to continue the hard work of our predecessors.