Marianna

When looking for a hotel in Marianna, it’s worth first considering which experiences you’d like to prioritize during your stay. Nature and outdoor activities range from a guided cave tour to trails through varied landscapes; cultural attractions include theater, galleries and local history. Using a specific activity as your guide can help you compare the different routes, places and visitor conditions more effectively.

Culture and Local History

The Dr. Gene Prough Center for the Arts brings together several types of performance venues. The proscenium main theater has 655 seats and is intended for the performing arts. There is also a flexible experimental theater with 150 seats for intimate works, innovative programs and recitals. The gallery features work by Chipola College students and faculty, as well as regional, national and internationally recognized artists. Performance programs and individual exhibitions may change; check current dates before visiting.

The Marianna Historic District is an approximately 50-acre mixed-use area encompassing the city’s main historic business, administrative and residential areas. The district is bounded by Davis, Park, Jackson and Wynn Streets. The Historic Russ House was built in the 1890s and extensively remodeled in 1910; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Luke’s Episcopal Cemetery is also part of the area’s historic heritage: this pioneer burial ground includes the graves of many prominent Marianna residents.

Trails and Guided Tours

Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area offers more than five miles of trails through upland forest, pine landscapes, open fields, karst terrain and wetlands. The outer loop is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. From the parking area at the end of Gator Hole Rd., you can hike along the river on the East or South Loop; you can also launch kayaks or canoes there.

The Battle of Marianna Walking Tour is a three-mile loop through the Civil War battlefield of Marianna. It starts next to Fountain Park, in front of the Jackson County Visitor Center. The Battle of Marianna statue in Confederate Park is also part of the tour. The difference is useful when choosing a route: the tour has a clearly defined loop length, while the Hinson area offers more than five miles of trails.

Caves, Springs and River

Florida Caverns is the only state park in Florida where visitors can take a guided tour of a large cave system. The cave system contains stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone formations. As a first-magnitude spring in Florida, Blue Springs feeds the 202-acre Merritt’s Millpond reservoir.

Blue Springs Recreation Area offers swimming and picnicking, as well as limited opportunities for SCUBA training and exploration. Check current visitor information before your trip. The Blue Spring cave complex is a habitat for the Georgia Blind Salamander and the Doughterty Plain Cave Crayfish.

The 51-mile Chipola River Paddling Trail begins in Marianna and continues south. In Marianna, the Chipola River is accessible via CR 280 (Magnolia Rd) and Peacock Bridge Rd.; Peacock Bridge Rd. is north of Sink Creek.

Discover more destinations: Sneads, Cottondale.

View the main travel guide: Jackson County.