Make this summer unforgettable with the Jackson County Summer Passport Challenge in Marianna, Florida! Summer is every child’s favorite time of year: no school, sunshine, swimming, and snacks! But for parents, keeping kids active, engaged, and off the screens can be a challenge. That’s where our family-friendly passport challenge comes in. With outdoor adventures and hands-on discoveries, Jackson County, Florida, is packed with exciting experiences just waiting for curious explorers, weekend wanderers, and thrill-seeking families to uncover.
How the Summer Passport Challenge Works
The Challenge runs from Memorial Day Weekend through the Friday before Labor Day Weekend. Visit stops throughout Marianna, Florida, and Jackson County, collect stamps and pictures, and earn points. Most importantly, have fun, make memories, and fall in love with our county!
The more stops you make, the more points you earn! Each stop will have either a camera or a heart icon. Some may have both. A camera icon is worth one point, and the heart icon is worth two.
If it is a camera icon, make sure to grab a photo of each child per stop. You will need to submit photos for each child/passport. If it is a heart icon, grab a stamp from someone who works there. A stamp page is available on page 18 of the passport.
At the end of summer when you redeem the passports at the Jackson County Visitor Center, the points will be tallied up, and your child will win an awesome prize.
If your child doesn’t have a passport yet drop by the Visitor’s Center to pick one up.
Who can participate in the fun?
Children age 5-17
What fun prize can they win?
6-10 points earn an awesome water bottle, 11-15 points a cool hat and sunglasses, 16-22 points earn 2 tickets to Florida Caverns, 23-27 a free camping trip, and 28 points earn a season pass to Blue Springs.
Important to remember
Passports must be redeemed before the Labor Day weekend (last day is August 29, 2025)
Must have one picture per stop PER passport. Families with multiple children will need to submit photos for each child/passport. Photos will be utilized in online promotions for the Visit Jackson County online.
Explore Jackson County with Your Family
Fun Passport Stops
1: Florida Caverns State Park
The only dry cave in Florida that offers tours, Florida Caverns in Marianna, FL, is a wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. If caves aren’t your adventure of choice, the park also offers hiking trails and freshwater springs. You can get your passport stamped at the Gift Shop and Visitor Center and snap a one-of-a-kind picture from deep under the earth’s surface!
2: Three Rivers State Park
Located at Lake Seminole, where the Chattahoochee, Flint, and Apalachicola Rivers meet, this park has something for everyone. Fishing, hiking, boating, or just admiring the scenery! Grab a stamp at the Ranger’s Station and then start your fun!
Water Adventures
3. Blue Springs
Perfect for a hot summer day, families can splash, dive, or slide into the crystal-clear waters. When it’s time to take a break from swimming, enjoy a game on the volleyball courts, grab a snack from the concessions, let the kids explore the playground, and discover even more amenities throughout the park. The beautiful blue hues of the spring make the perfect backdrop for those perfect photos!
4. Tube Down Spring Creek
Bring your own tube or rent one and drift along the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek for a relaxing adventure. Plan for about four hours of easy floating through scenic surroundings—and don’t forget, disposable containers and glass are not allowed to help keep the creek beautiful and clean! Helpful tip: slide your phone into a ziplock bag to protect it from splashes and capture an epic picture tubing down the creek!
Fish, Sink Hook
5. Lake Seminole
Make reel memories while fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish! A manmade lake with a unique history, it is over 37,000 acres and borders Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. At Snead’s Park, you can fish from the banks or launch a boat!
6. Chipola River
Grab your fishing gear and head out on a boat or kayak and enjoy the winding flow of the Chipola River. Nothing to float on? Enjoy the banks of the river from Hinson Preserve or the Chipola Greenway trail. Don’t forget to catch it on camera!
Sweet Treats
7. Southern Craft Creamery
Pop into this family-owned and operated creamery and treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream with handcrafted flavors like sweet cream, salty caramel, and butter pecan. Get a stamp and/or a picture and get those points!
8. Kountry Candy Store
Homemade sweets and hand-dipped ice cream make this a must-visit stop in Alford FL.! From ice cream to cookies to homemade candies, there is a delicious treat to please everyone! Add a stamp to your passport and capture these sweet moments in time in a photo!
Picnic in the Park
9: Citizen’s Lodge
Bring the whole family and make the most of all the fun this scenic park in Marianna has to offer. The pavilion in front of the pond makes an Instagram-worthy picture! Dig into a picnic under the trees, then explore one of the 6 walking trails, play on the playground, or enjoy a round on the 18-hole disc golf course.
10. Madison Street Park
What kid doesn’t LOVE splash pads? Let them get some energy out and then enjoy a picnic under the pavilion. If you drop by on a Saturday, you can also hit up the Marianna City Farmer’s Market for some farm-fresh goodies! Take a picture to remember it!
Hit the Trails
11. Hinson Conservation
The scenic trails hide secrets such as a cave which forms a bridge, an old, abandoned cabin, and tracks from the long-gone M&B railroad. Don’t forget to bring water, bug spray, and to capture your adventure!
12. Chipola River Greenway
The greenway is home to many rare plants, birds, butterflies, and animals, so keep your eyes open for some unique sightings! Bike, hike, or stroll, take in fresh air and the beautiful nature around you. Strike a pose before you go!
Explore History
13. Historic Russ House
The beautiful Russ House was built in 1895 and has housed 5 generations of the Russ Family throughout its history. Now home to the Jackson County Visitor Center, this is a great starting point to explore our community and the Battle of Marianna Walking tour. Stop by to say hello and don’t forget to get your passport stamped!
14. Bellamy Bridge
The oldest steel structure in Florida- and maybe the spookiest? This bridge has a legend of a young bride who haunts the bridge, forever searching for the groom she never got to marry. It’s a short hike to the bridge, offering a peaceful walk with a hint of mystery. Selfie (or a picture of the kiddos!)- or it never happened!
Please note that boardwalks are under construction and paths may be inaccessible after heavy rain. Be sure to grab bug spray as well!
15. Public Library
Check out a stack of books, a couple of movies, maybe a game while you are at it! It’s a perfect time to join the Summer Reading Program as well- or just enjoy the cool air conditioning and a fun event at the Marianna or Graceville public library. Snap it, stamp it, and explore more!
Eat Farm Fresh
16. Southern Craft Market
From freshly bottled milk to juicy drinks to tasty bites, there’s so much yumminess to discover. Make sure to check out their brand-new mural that features the best of agriculture in Jackson County (this would make the best new pic for your Facebook page)!
17. Marianna City Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday from 7am-12pm find the best farm-fresh veggies, colorful blooms, and just-laid eggs all in one convenient spot! Grab a photo with your farm-finds!
18. Love Jackson
Let’s keep Jackson County clean and beautiful! Be a superhero by cleaning up trash at your local park or neighborhood. Grab some gloves and a trash bag and begin your hunt for litter! Grab a before and after picture of your hard work and head to the Visitor’s Center to get a stamp.
19. Grow Jackson
Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty for a good cause! We’re on a mission to make Jackson County even more beautiful, one tree, flower, or garden at a time. Earn some points while planting something green- grab some seeds, seedlings, or saplings, start planting and don’t forget to capture a picture too!
What now?
After having a blast exploring Jackson County all summer long trade in those points at the Visitor’s Center and claim your reward.
Please call and schedule a time to come in to ensure time to get pictures transferred in a timely manner.
We can’t wait to hear all about your favorite moments and discoveries!