Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is located in the state of Florida and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an ancient fossil reef that dates back over 125,000 years.


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Summary

The park, which covers an area of 0.55 square kilometers, is renowned for its fascinating geological formations, diverse marine life, and educational opportunities.

One of the main reasons to visit Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is its exceptional geological significance. The exposed fossilized coral reef, known as the Key Largo Limestone, is one of the best-preserved examples of a fossilized coral reef in the world. Visitors can witness the remnants of a once-thriving coral reef, including beautifully preserved coral heads and other marine organisms. The park offers guided tours and interpretive exhibits that provide insight into the geological history of the area.

There are several points of interest within the park that are worth exploring. The Quarry Exhibit Hall is a highlight, showcasing the remnants of a quarry that was used to extract limestone for construction in the early 1900s. Visitors can observe the exposed layers of fossilized coral and learn about the quarrying process. The park also features nature trails and boardwalks that wind through tropical hardwood hammocks, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

One interesting fact about Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is that it played a significant role in the construction of the Overseas Railroad, which connected the Florida Keys to mainland Florida. The quarry within the park provided the necessary limestone for the construction of the railroad's bridges and causeways, making it a historically important site.

The best time of year to visit Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is during the winter and spring months, from December to May. This period offers milder temperatures and lower chances of rainfall, providing a more comfortable experience. It is advisable to check the park's official website or contact the park office for up-to-date information on opening hours, guided tours, and any current restrictions.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided by referring to multiple independent sources such as the official website of the Florida State Parks, travel guides, and reputable online sources dedicated to Florida's natural attractions.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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