Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Location in Florida Show map of Florida Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Monroe County, Florida, United States
Nearest city	Islamorada, Florida
Established	1999
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a Florida State Park located at mile marker 85.5 near Islamorada. It was a former quarry used by Henry Flagler in the early 1900s to help his building of the Overseas Railroad. Following the railroad's completion, it was a source for decorative stone pieces called Keystone. Now on display are exposed sections of fossilized coral, as well as some of the original quarry machinery. The Hurricane Monument at Mile Marker 82 in Islamorada is constructed of keystone from the quarry.

Hours

Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). The visitor center is open Thursday through Monday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Gallery

Example of fossil Brain coral (Diploria) at the park. US Quarter near top for scale.