If you’re road-tripping through the Florida Keys, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a must-stop, especially if you’re curious about ancient coral reefs, cool history, and easy hiking trails surrounded by tropical beauty. This quiet, fascinating park is a perfect break from the beaches and gives you a unique glimpse into Florida’s deep natural past.
A Brief History of Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Long before tourists ever dreamed of driving the Overseas Highway, Windley Key was a thriving fossilized coral reef—a remnant from the time when much of Florida was underwater.
In the early 1900s, this area was quarried by the Florida East Coast Railway, under Henry Flagler’s massive project to connect the Keys by train. The limestone rock they cut, known as “Keystone”, was prized for construction and decoration (you’ll spot it in buildings all over the Keys and Miami).
Today, visitors can walk through these old quarry pits and see cross-sections of millions of-year-old fossilized coral heads!
Top Things to Do at Windley Key Fossil Reef
🌿 Walk the Quarry Trails
Five short, easy trails weave through the old quarries and tropical hardwood forest. You’ll literally be walking alongside ancient coral fossils!
🦀 View Fossilized Coral
Get up-close views of intact brain corals, sea fans, and other marine fossils embedded in the limestone.
📚 Visit the Interpretive Center
The small but fascinating visitor center features exhibits about the area’s geology, the history of the Overseas Railway, and the coral reef ecosystem.
🎣 Picnic Amongst the Palms
There’s a peaceful picnic area where you can enjoy lunch under the shady trees.
📷 Photography
This spot is full of textures and colors—perfect for snapping those nature shots or fossil close-ups.
Visiting Information
Open: Thursday through Monday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Location:
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
84900 Overseas Highway (U.S. 1)
Islamorada, FL 33036
Ticket Costs
Adults (age 6+): $2.50 per person
Children (under 6): Free
💳 Cash and exact change are appreciated for the honor box if the ranger station is closed!
Estimated Time Needed
🕒 Plan for 1 to 2 hours to walk the trails, explore the quarries, and check out the visitor center.
It’s a great half-stop on a longer Florida Keys drive.
Why Windley Key Fossil Reef is Worth a Stop
This park offers something you truly can’t find anywhere else: a chance to walk through a fossilized reef above ground! It’s peaceful, educational, and a bit awe-inspiring when you realize you’re surrounded by remnants of an ancient ocean. Plus, it’s easy to fit into your itinerary without a huge time commitment.
Things to Do Nearby
🛶 Robbie’s Marina (5 min away) — Feed the famous tarpon, shop local art, or grab a meal by the water.
🌺 Theater of the Sea (10 min away) — Family-friendly marine animal park with dolphin encounters and sea lion shows.
🌊 Anne’s Beach (15 min away) — A relaxing stretch of shallow water and sandy boardwalk trails.
🍤 Lazy Days Restaurant (10 min away) — Delicious seafood with beautiful oceanfront views, perfect for lunch or dinner.
🚲 Islamorada’s Bike Trails — Explore the surrounding Keys by bike on the scenic Overseas Heritage Trail.
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