Sports

From basketball and baseball to motocross and golf, Jackson County has a wide array of sports to play, spectate, or participate in, taking advantage of the natural landscape and established recreation centers.

On the Water

Home to nine major bodies of water, Jackson County offers incredible water sports opportunities for novice and experienced enthusiasts. From kayaking to jet skiing, the fun times on the water do not run short.

KAYAKING, CANOEING, & PADDLING

Outdoor enthusiasts say Jackson County has some of Florida’s most beautiful paddling trails. There are several places to explore, such as Merritt’s Mill Pond, Compass Lake, Round Lake, Lake Seminole, Ocheesee Pond, and Upper Chipola River. Explore more...

Water Sports

For a thrill, Compass Lake, Round Lake, and Merritt’s Mill Pond allow for power boating, wakeboarding, tubing, water skiing, pontooning and so much more to keep you on the water. And since you’ll be out in the Florida sun all day, don’t forget the SPF! They call it the Sunshine State for nothing!

Play Ball

Spectators enjoy home games and tournaments hosted throughout the year for the basketball, baseball, and softball teams at Chipola College. An annual alumni weekend brings former players back to Jackson County for a friendly rivalry event each winter.

Many youth and high school baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments take place at the Marianna Educational and Recreational Expo (M.E.R.E.), which is also equipped with t-ball fields and a new racquetball court. If you’re visiting during the fall season, you can catch our local high school football teams kick off under the Friday Night Lights.

Motocross

Decker Training Facility, just south of Compass Lake, is a hub for motocross events, training, and lessons. This high-caliber training facility includes a motocross track, a mini track for beginners, camper hookups, showers and bathrooms for overnight guests.

The arena cross track was built and designed by professional motocross rider, Matt Goerke.

Equestrian Sports

From bull riding to barrel racing, avid fans travel from all over to Jackson County for various rodeo competitions throughout the year at the Jackson County Agriculture Center.

The Center is a 29-acre multi-purpose facility available for use for events like 4-H & FFA Events, livestock sales, horse shows and more!

Skating

Skateboarders will feel right at home at the Jamie Lynn Messer Memorial Skate Park at James Tucker Wilson Park in Sneads.

The park features a quarter pipe, a vert ramp, a funbox, stairs, a flat rail, and handrails. The park is open to the public and does not have an admission fee.

Golf in Jackson County

Golf

With its verdant, green rolling hills and majestic, hundred-year-old live oak trees, Jackson County offers the perfect landscape for outstanding golf courses. No matter what your handicap is, Jackson County has the perfect course.

  • Indian Springs Golf Club
    For a slower pace, grab your clubs and set out for Marianna’s Indian Springs Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 regulation course set right in the middle of Jackson County’s natural beauty. 
  • Compass Lake in the Hills 
    If traditional golf is not your thing, try your hand at the disc golf course located at Compass Lake in the Hills.