Manager's Message

Lu Dodson, Park Manager

The road you travel to reach this hidden gem of a park literally rests upon the Key Largo Limestone that was quarried here through the late 1960’s. This limestone was formed thousands of years ago by ancient coral reefs and later became the quarried base layer of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad. It also provided the decorative stone called Keystone found on many structures throughout the Florida Keys today.

Park visitors have many options for learning and enjoyment. There are many walking trails that lead through the historical quarries where fossils of ancient corals can be viewed and identified with the help of a ranger or a comprehensive guide book available at the Alison Fahrer Environmental Education Center. 

In addition, visitors will encounter many pieces of original quarrying equipment along the way.

Want to a take hike?

Windley Fossil Reef Geological State Park has several miles of shaded trails weaving through a tropical hardwood hammock with interpretive signage. Come early to catch a glimpse of a white-crowned pigeon or look for a variety of tropical butterflies. 

Have your camera ready! You never know what picturesque combination of plant/animal and quarry or amazing light and shadow effects you will encounter on your explorations.

This park also features an automated Trackchair for navigating through the quarries and trails. 

Paths will lead the visitor through history, geology and ecology as different areas are encountered along the way to the Real Florida.