10 Facts That Prove Florida Is America's Craziest State
2. The Devil's Millhopper
Near Gainesville, also known as Home of The Gators and PartyTown USA, is a massive funnel-shaped sinkhole that has existed for many years. Owned by the State of Florida, it is now a State Park. However, local residents once knew it as a pit straight to Hell. At 37 kilometres deep, many local legends cropped up regarding this humongous pit of unknown origin. Preachers used to like to say that it would gobble up drunken sinners and thieves. Because of its funnel shape, it reminded people of a hopper on a gristmill, and when animal bones were discovered at the bottom, locals decided they were there to feed the devil. So began the name Devils Millhopper. According to scientists, the sinkhole occurred in parts, sinking once about 10,000 years ago and then again over 1,000 years ago. Now, there is a tall wooden walkway of 232 steps that leads visitors into its belly. The millhopper has 12 springs and a wide range of plant and animal life alongside fossilized marine life and shark teeth. Also, its nearby Paynes Prairie where you can see wild buffalo. Yes, there are still wild buffalo in Florida.
