A journey through time. In a most unlikely place.

Spruce Bluff Preserve • Southbend Lakes, Port St. Lucie, Florida

Spruce Bluff

Spruce Bluff

Port st. lucie isn’t exactly known as a center of history. But, there is one area that is rich

in ancient Indian history and of 19th century pioneers. Spruce Bluff Preserve is located

in southern Port St. Lucie, in the Southbend Lakes area. There are two paths that loop

together onto Lookout Boulevard. To the north is part of the pioneer settlement.

The settlers set up a sawmill nearby and farmed citrus fruit in the 1890s until a hard freeze in 1895

dashed their hopes and sent them packing.

The Ais Indian side is accessible from the south entrance on Dar Road. The trail wends its way through

dense forest, over bridges and marshes and culminates at an 18-foot Indian mound. A nest sits high atop

the mound, giving it an ominous appearance. The Ais Indians are said to have lived in this area some

2,000 years ago.

The entire journey through Spruce Bluff takes about two hours. Starting on Dar Road, one could

go north along an abandoned paved road to the trails leading to the settlers’ gravesite, and then across

the street to a small beach overlooking the St. Lucie River. Then, follow Lookout Boulevard back to

the entrance and take the trail, heading south, to the Indian mound. Beware of the wildlife. It is not

uncommon to encounter snakes, raccoons, squirrels, alligators, and even the odd panther. Of course,

mosquitoes inhabit this area as well.

Trail entrance, heading south, toward the Ais Indian side of the preserve.

Lookout Blvd. has a few hills, which are very unusual for this area.

The old road, heading north. The road ends at a gate to Lookout Blvd., but there are numbered trails leading to the settlers’ gravesite.

Atop the 18-foot Ais Indian mound. Walking on the mound is illegal.

One of two bridges that go over the marshes.

The trail has many roots, which makes biking very difficult.

During the drought of 2011, it was possible to walk all the way out. Now, the area is covered with about two feet of water.

A nice place to rest during the hike. Wildlife abounds.

The trail has many wonders: Spanish moss, butterflies, flowers, oh my!

Just to the east of the gravesite is a trail that leads to a beach overlooking the confluence of the C-24 Canal and the St. Lucie River. What a view!

Gravesite at the pioneer settlement of Spruce Bluff. 1892.

The settlers, circa 1894. The hard freeze of 1895 ended further development.

Spruce Bluff pioneers C.E. Schroeder, Harry E. Hill,

Frank Waner, Jim Nailor, Jake Padget, Ed L. Winter

and Charles B. Blakeslee— as seen in this 1894 photograph

Spruce BluffText and photos by Jeff Macharyas • www.macharyas.com