Main Page - Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Coral channeling machine with the Alison Fahrer Environmental Education Center in the background.

Manager's Message

It’s nice and quiet this time of year, especially the months leading into the holidays. So, while you are making your beautiful drive along US #1, why not stop in to see us and enjoy the quietness of both the Education Center and the forest. It’s hard to believe we have this beautiful hammock and walking trails throughout the property so nicely hidden right alongside the highway. We offer self-guided tours and ranger-led tours. We’re definitely worth checking out. Besides, we are the highest natural elevation in the Florida Keys - a whopping 18.5 ft. above sea level!

- Melba Nezbed, Park Manager

Welcome to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Formed of Key Largo limestone, fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone called Keystone. Today, visitors can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of the ancient coral and learn about the quarry and its operation- an important part of Florida's 20th century history. Samples of the quarry machinery have been preserved at the park. Visitors can enjoy the natural attributes of this island while strolling five short, self-guided trails. Picnic tables are available. The Visitor Center, open Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., features educational exhibits about the history of this site. Located at Mile Marker 85.5 on Windley Key near Islamorada.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, please call 305-664-2540.

Hours of Operation

Park is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Education Center is open Friday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Guided tours are available Friday through Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.