Fall in Florida is the perfect time to get outside. As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is most known for the government buildings it is home to, like the “old” and “new” capitol buildings, the Florida Supreme Court, and the Florida Department of Education.

What many don’t know is that Tallahassee and its surrounding communities are actually home to numerous historical, unique and expansive state parks.

From sites of Florida Civil War battles to ancient Indian burial grounds, one of these state parks is sure to catch your eye.

Take a look at this list of every state park in (or around), Tallahassee.

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park:

This piece of Tallahassee history is now a state park here in town.

With two independent trails to hike and areas to picnic at, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park is home to six of the seven known earthen temple mounds, with two available for viewing.

It also offers an ideal space for nature viewing, bird watching and exploring.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sundown. The entry fee is $3 per vehicle.

Location: 3600 Indian Mounds Road, Tallahassee.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park:

A classic Tallahassee park to visit for tourists and residents alike, this local Florida state park offers beautiful gardens, a lake that lends itself to kayaking and boating, walking trails, and spots where you can picnic.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is a family-friendly park that is a relaxing place to visit and hang out.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sunset. The entry fee is $4-6 per vehicle (depending on occupancy) or $2 for cyclists and pedestrians. Garden entry is an additional $6 for adults/$3 for children (January through April).

Location: 3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee.

Natural Bridge Battlefield State Park:

This historic state park is an important piece of Florida history.

Natural Bridge is the site of the second largest Civil War battle in Florida and is home to a monument that honors the Confederate soldiers who defended Natural Bridge during this war.

It is also the location where the St. Marks River drops into a sinkhole where it temporarily flows underground before reemerging.

This state park offers biking and walking spots and guided tours by request.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sundown. The entry fee is $3 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians and cyclists.

Location: 7502 Natural Bridge Road, Tallahassee.

DeSoto Site Historic State Park:

Also called De Soto Winter Encampment Site Historic State Park, this state park is the only documented site that conquistador Hernando de Soto and his army visited.

On-site, there are several historical artifacts and a museum you can visit to learn more about this Spanish conquistador and his travels.

The park is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. There is no entry fee.

Location: 1001 Desoto Park Drive, Tallahassee

Lake Talquin State Park:

Lake Talquin State Park overlooks the southern shore of Lake Talquin and offers visitors freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, walking and biking trails, and a picnicking area.

Bear sightings have been reported here, and the park is a great spot to animal watch, relax and enjoy a peaceful walk on interpretive trails.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sunset. The entry fee is $3 per vehicle.

Location: 14850 Jack Vause Landing Road, Tallahassee.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park:

Housing the “largest and deepest freshwater spring rimmed by an ancient cypress swamp,” this state park, located in Wakulla Springs, Florida, about 11 miles from Tallahassee, offers manatee sightings, swimming in cold, clear springs, boat rides and tours of the park and walking/hiking trails.

The park also offers lodging and dining and opportunities to walk on the same ground that ancient Native Americans and mastodons once roamed.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sunset. The hotel lodge stays open 24-hours for guiests. The park entry fee is $6 per vehicle.

Location: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, Florida.

St. Marks River Preserve State Park:

Not the be confused with the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks River Preserve State Park is found along the banks of the St. Marks River in Leon County.

With hiking, walking, biking and equestrian trails, this state park also lends itself to animal watching, but currently offers no amenities on park grounds.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. until sundown. There is no entry fee.

Location: 11950 Tram Road, Tallahassee.