Wekiwa Springs State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wekiwa Springs State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
|
|
Kayaking on Wekiwa Run near Wekiwa Springs
|
|
 Wekiwa Springs State Park
Location in Florida
|
|
| Location | Orange County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Apopka, Florida |
| Area | 7,000 acres (28 km²) |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Wekiwa Springs State Park is a large state park in Apopka, Florida. It covers about 7,000 acres (28 square kilometers). The park is located just 20 minutes north of Orlando. It is easy to find off Interstate 4 at exit 94. The park is also home to the very beginning of the Wekiva River. It even serves as a main office for one of Florida's AmeriCorps Florida State Parks groups.
You might notice something interesting about the name! The springs are spelled Wekiwa, but the river and many nearby places use the spelling Wekiva. The word Wekiwa comes from the Creek language. It means "spring". Some people think Wekiva means "flowing water", but it was actually a different spelling used by people who developed the land.
Contents
Discovering Wekiwa Springs: A Look at Its History
How Wekiwa Springs Became a Park
In the 1800s, Central Florida was mostly farmland. After the Civil War ended, more and more tourists started visiting Florida. They loved the warm winters, long summers, and beautiful nature. This is how places like Wekiwa Springs became popular.
In 1941, a group called the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club bought the land. Before that, a company had a small camp there to make turpentine. The Sportsmen's Club wanted to keep the area open for fun activities.
John H. Land, who was the Mayor of Apopka, Florida and also part of the Sportsmen's Club, worked hard for three years. He asked the Florida State Legislature to protect this special land. Finally, in 1969, the state of Florida decided to make it a state park. Since 1970, people have been coming to enjoy the natural spring, its clear water, and the amazing wildlife. The spring water stays a cool 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) all year round!
Fun Things to Do at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Exploring the Main Spring and Its Waters
The biggest attraction at Wekiwa Springs Park is the spring itself. It sends out about 42 million gallons of water into the Wekiva River every day! The swimming area is not too deep, from less than a foot to about five feet. There's also a small cavern at the spring's source, about 15 to 20 feet deep. This cavern leads to a deeper cave that has been explored. However, for safety, SCUBA diving and cave diving are not allowed here.
The park has a nature center where you can learn more about the area. You can also get to Wekiwa Springs, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and the Wekiva River. There are picnic areas with grills, perfect for a family meal. You can rent canoes at the nature center. There are even four campsites in the park that you can only reach by canoe or kayak!
Camping Adventures at Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park has a large camping area spread across its 7,000 acres. It has everything you need for different types of camping, from tents to RVs. You can find family campsites, primitive camping spots, and even cabin areas for youth groups. Camp Cozy is a primitive camping spot located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the main spring. Pets are welcome, but they must always be on a leash. Please remember that alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the park.
Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding
The park has many trails for you to explore. You can go bicycling, hiking, or even horseback riding. The main hiking trail is 13.5 miles (21.7 km) long. There's also a 5.3-mile (8.5 km) Volksmarch trail, which is marked with orange diamonds. A trail connects the main parking area to another parking lot at Sand Lake within the park.
Wildlife and Nature at Wekiwa Springs
Animals You Might See in the Park
The area around the spring is mostly untouched, showing off Florida's natural environment. You might spot many different animals here. Some of the wildlife in the park include coyotes, rabbits, deer, gray foxes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, alligators, and even black bears.
Activities to Enjoy in Nature
You can go fishing in the park's waters. Canoeing and snorkeling are also popular ways to enjoy the clear springs. However, for your safety, SCUBA and especially cave diving are not allowed. The cave has been explored in the past, going about 50 meters (164 feet) deep.
Park Information and Fees
Park Hours and Nature Center Times
Florida state parks are open every day of the year, including holidays, from 8 a.m. until sundown. The nature center at Wekiwa Springs State Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:00 p.m. EST.
Admission Fees to Enter the Park
| Description | Cost, USD |
|---|---|
| Vehicles with 2 to 8 people | $6.00 |
| Single Occupant Vehicles | $4.00 |
| Pedestrians | $2.00 |
| Bicyclists | $2.00 |
| Extra Passengers | $2.00 |
Wekiwa Springs State Park does not have a special fee for entering at sunset.
Camping Fees for Your Stay
| Description | Cost, USD |
|---|---|
| Family campground sites | $24.00 plus tax per site, per night |
| Primitive camping | $5.00 plus tax per person, per night |
| Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping | $1.00 per youth; $5.00 per adult chaperon plus tax, per night |
