Hobe Mountain Tower Has Been Closed for More Than Two Years. The Fight to Reopen It Continues.
JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK — If you’ve visited Jonathan Dickinson State Park recently and wondered when you’ll be able to climb Hobe Mountain Observation Tower again, the answer remains unclear.
The popular observation tower has now been closed to visitors for more than two years because of safety concerns. And a $2 million funding request that could have helped pay for repairs and improvements at the park was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year.
State Sen. Gayle Harrell and State Rep. John Snyder say they plan to try again.
The two Treasure Coast lawmakers had worked to secure the $2 million during the last legislative session. Harrell told WPTV that both lawmakers were disappointed by the veto and remain committed to finding money for rehabilitation and restoration work at the park.
A familiar local landmark
For generations of local residents, the Hobe Mountain tower has been one of Jonathan Dickinson’s most recognizable stops.
Hobe Mountain itself is an ancient sand dune rising 86 feet above sea level — the highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee, according to Florida State Parks.
The wooden observation tower, built in 1966, adds another 25 feet and traditionally gave visitors sweeping views across the park toward the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.
But visitors haven’t been able to enjoy that view since April 2024.
The tower was closed after a state-commissioned engineering report raised safety concerns about the structure. The boardwalk leading up Hobe Mountain remains open, but Florida State Parks currently lists the observation tower itself as closed.
From possible demolition to efforts to save it
The tower was also caught up in the controversy surrounding Jonathan Dickinson State Park in the summer of 2024.
A state proposal at the time contemplated major recreational development at the park, including golf courses. Planning documents also called for removal of the existing observation tower.
The proposal triggered a huge public backlash throughout northern Palm Beach and Martin counties and was ultimately withdrawn.
The controversy also brought new attention to efforts already underway to restore the tower. The Friends of Jonathan Dickinson State Park began receiving donations from residents who wanted to see the landmark preserved.
The broader state park controversy eventually helped lead to Florida's State Park Preservation Act, signed into law in 2025, which placed new restrictions on development within state parks.
Now the question is less about whether the tower should remain — and more about how to pay for bringing it back.
Harrell and Snyder say they intend to pursue funding again during the next legislative session.
The park remains open
Jonathan Dickinson State Park remains open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and visitors can still walk the Hobe Mountain boardwalk.
There are some other changes visitors should know about.
As of June 30, the park's concessions are unavailable, including canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals, boat tours, and food and souvenir concessions. Florida State Parks has been seeking a new business partner to provide concession services at the park.
For now, one of the park's best-known views remains just out of reach.
And for anyone who remembers standing at the top of that tower and looking out across miles of undeveloped Florida, its eventual return will be welcome news.
Did you ever climb the Hobe Mountain tower? We’d love to hear your memories — or see an old photo from the top.
Sources: Florida State Parks, WPTV/WFLX, WLRN, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
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