Located along the Indian River Lagoon, Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, Florida, offers an interactive play fountain, butterfly garden, fishing pier, walking path, four picnic pavilions, and the two-story Frances Langford Center, which is available for banquets and private rentals. As you enter the park, you will notice the sculpture fountain of mother and calf dolphins leaping. The statue is by Geoffrey C. Smith and is called Life’s Journey.
Walking Paths & Boardwalks
Take a stroll along the 3/4-mile scenic walking path, which is popular with local residents. The pathway leads around a lake and down a hill to the river. The entire walk is lovely, as you pass many water birds that call the lake home. There is shade and benches to rest and watch the wildlife.
The river boardwalk is the nicest part- you walk elevated, looking out on the Indian River Lagoon. It makes an excellent location to view the sunrise over the Indian River Lagoon.
The Mangrove Boardwalk starts in the rear of Captain Sewall’s house and extends for about a quarter of a mile into the mangroves. The walk leads you to a chick-ee hut at the end of the boardwalk. Look into the brackish water as you walk along to see fish, turtles, and wildlife. Mangroves help stabilize the coastline ecosystem and prevent erosion. Mangroves also provide natural infrastructure and protection to nearby populated areas by preventing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
Fishing
Indian Riverside Park has a 780-foot fishing pier where you can try your luck at catching a number of species, including snook, redfish, flounder, and pompano. Fish cleaning stations are installed on the pier.
Beach
A small beach access along the river is perfect for catching the sun or building a sandcastle. If you need a break from the sun, a nearby shade tree offers some relief.
Interactive Fountain
Pack the kids and a picnic, bring some towels, and let them splash around in the fountain. It is the perfect thing to do on a hot summer day. Cooling off has never been so fun! The colorful interactive fountain at Indian RiverSide Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Francis Langford Dockside Pavilion
If you are looking for the perfect place for special events, the two-story Frances Langford Dockside Pavilion could be your answer. The Pavilion has an air-conditioned banquet space, a kitchen, and a wrap-around balcony overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. More than 3800 square feet of space is available for birthday parties, weddings, reunions, and community events. Francis Langford was a resident of Jensen Beach. She was a singer and entertainer for more than two decades. She also made films and entertained the troops with Bob Hope.
The Mansion at Tuckahoe
For a more elegant setting, the Mansion at Tuckahoe offers waterfront views of the lagoon and includes some history. This historic site was once the home of a Coca-Cola heiress. This restored facility is a premier event venue and is available for weddings and special events.
Historic Captain Henry Sewall’s House
This historic wooden Captain Henry Sewall’s House was built in 1889 and was home to local pioneer and developer Henry E. Sewall. The first Sewall’s Point post office was established in this home in 1891. It has had several owners throughout its history, including a bootlegger and a Naval officer during World War II. The last private owner offered the house to Martin County for preservation in 2006. It was moved and restored by 2012. It’s on the Martin County Register of Historic Landmarks.
Treasure Coast Children’s Museum
Indian Riverside Park is also home to the Treasure Coast Children’s Museum. The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast offers children and families a hands-on experience with educational programs, cultural experiences, and interactive activities. Children can pretend they are shopping in a grocery store or a firefighter, a train engineer, a doctor, a dentist, or a veterinarian.
Children can see how the bones in their bodies move when they ride bicycles. To cap it all off, they have a pirate ship with shooting cannons.
There is a wide range of parks located in Martin County. From the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound to smaller parks such as Shepard’s Park in Stuart. Most promise relaxation and being as one with nature. Martin County is home to beaches, rivers, and natural habitats. Take some time and get out and enjoy nature.
The Indian Riverside Park is at 707 NE Indian River Dr in Jensen Beach.
