Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Location in Florida
Location	Collier County, Florida, USA
Nearest city	Naples, Florida
Established	1976
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a beautiful state park in Florida. It's found on a barrier island along Florida's southwest coast, close to Naples, Florida. This park is a great spot to enjoy nature, with access to the Cocohatchee River and the amazing Gulf of Mexico. It even has a special hard-bottom reef underwater!

Discovering Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

This section will tell you all about Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. You'll learn about its history, the cool animals that live there, and all the fun things you can do.

The Park's History and Name

The story of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park starts way back in the late 1800s. A man named Joe Wiggins lived here, and the park is named after him! Joe ran a trading post where he exchanged goods with Seminole Indians and early settlers.

Many years later, in 1964, the land became a park thanks to Lester J. and Dellora A. Norris. The "Delnor" part of the park's name comes from the first few letters of Dellora and Norris. In 1970, the state of Florida bought the land. Finally, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park officially opened its doors in 1976.

Amazing Animals at the Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is home to many different kinds of wildlife. When you visit, keep an eye out for some incredible creatures!

• Birds: You might spot majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Ospreys, which are fishing hawks, also live here. You could even hear or see owls.
• Sea Creatures: The park is a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. These large sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. Gentle West Indian manatees can sometimes be seen in the waters.
• Shorebirds: Many different kinds of shorebirds visit the park, especially during their migrations.
• Reptiles: The park is also home to the endangered gopher tortoise. This special tortoise is the only one of its kind found east of the Mississippi River.

Fun Things to Do at the Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages.

• Beach Fun: You can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy beaches or go for a refreshing swim in the Gulf waters.
• Water Sports: Try paddleboarding or kayaking on the calm waters. If you love exploring underwater, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling to see the reef.
• Boating and Fishing: The park has boat ramps if you want to bring your own boat. If you enjoy fishing, you can cast a line in certain areas. Remember, you might need a fishing license!
• Exploring Nature: There are great trails for hiking and spots for nature viewing. You can even try geocaching, which is like a treasure hunt using GPS.
• Relaxing: The park is a perfect place for a picnic with family and friends. Some people even choose to hold their weddings here!

Park Facilities and Amenities

To make your visit comfortable and fun, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has several helpful facilities.

• Beaches: Wide, sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing and playing.
• Boat Ramps: Easy access for launching boats.
• Boardwalks and Observation Decks: These allow you to walk through natural areas and get great views without disturbing wildlife.
• Picnic Areas: Plenty of spots to enjoy a meal outdoors.
• Pavilion: A large covered area with 10 tables and grills, perfect for groups of up to 100 people.
• Concession Stand: A place to grab snacks and drinks.

Visiting Hours and Fees

Florida state parks, including Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, are open every day of the year. This includes holidays! You can visit from dawn until sundown.

• Admission: It costs $6 per vehicle to enter the park.
• Boat Ramp Fee: If you want to use the boat ramp, there's an extra $5 fee in addition to the admission.