Everything You Need to Know about Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

I’ll be the first to say that we have some unusual state parks here in Florida, but Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is one of the most unique. Located near the town of Islamorada in the Middle Keys, Windley Key State Park is fascinating, both for the science and the history of the site. Did you know that the only rock that you’ll find in the Florida Keys is fossilized reef and a bit of coquina? It’s true, and it’s the foundation of much of the Overseas Highway and the old railroad line. You’ll learn all about it here.

We’ve got the scoop on what you can do and see at Windley Key Fossil State Park and tips for more things to do in the area. This part of the Florida Keys is so fun, so we have lots of tips. If you have any questions about Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park or need more suggestions for the Middle Keys, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an awesome Florida Keys trip.

Highlights of Windley Key State Park

If you are a history or geology geek like me, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is great. I think it’s one of the most fascinating spots because it’s not at all what you expect to encounter in the Florida Keys. When you enter, you’ll have a couple different paths you can choose. Each will take you around the old quarry where the foundation stones of Henry Flagler’s railway came from.

Starting with the first bridges into the Florida Keys and continuing all the way to Key West, the railroad trestle had to be built on something and with the Keys being a top an ancient reef, it made sense to quarry that old, fossilized stone to build the bridges. And that’s what you see here at Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park! As you proceed through the park you’ll see the deep cuts into the earth and the unique fossil formations. As an avid snorkeler who loves exploring reefs and a geology nerd I think this is one of the coolest and most unusual places in the Florida Keys.

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park exposes some fascinating science and as you walk through and read the exhibits, you may start to geek out too. On the history side of things, part of the State Park is the collection of antique quarry equipment that was used to cut the giant blocks of fossilized reef stone. It may be rusty today but it’s still cool and weird. It’s wild to wander through the maze of quarry cuts and know that this ancient living reef became the backbone of the Florida Keys becoming what they are today.

Tips for Enjoying Windley Key State Park

If you’re visiting Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park with kids, keep in mind that it can get pretty warm on the trails. A lot of the park is exposed and just sucks to the heat of the sun, so during peak summer months it’s toasty. You can always take a break by ducking into the visitor center to fill of and do a little different learning through those exhibits.

And if your kids or travel crew likes birdwatching, since the quarry is surrounded by a low hammock forest, there are lots of birds and iguanas to watch for. This is a great place to spot the white crowned pigeon as well as the beautiful green parrots. There are lots of iguanas all throughout Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park too. Even though the iguanas look cute or funny, don’t pet them and don’t try to grab their tails. They do bite and they’re not very clean. Let the wildlife stay wild.

When you’re planning your visit, allow yourself an hour or more to explore the park. There are lots of exhibits to read and the trails are pretty cool. I love the strangler fig trees throughout the property (a type of banyan tree) and they’re interesting to photograph if you’re into taking pictures.

Need to Know for Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

The trail system at Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is well maintained but rocky. You don’t need hiking boots or anything fancy, but I wouldn’t recommend flip flops. The crushed rock can get under your foot and it really hurts. Tennis shoes or Keen sandals are best when you’re doing the Windley Key trails.

I’m a big supporter of reef-safe sunblock and you’ll definitely need sunscreen while you’re here, and yes, still use the reef-safe stuff because no doubt you’ll find yourself swimming at some point in this day. The fossilized reef rock is very bright and you’d be surprised how quickly you can get a sunburn as you’re walking around here. Bring water, of course, and if the timing is right, bring a picnic. There are picnic tables at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park and they’re actually in the shade, making it a good picnic spot while you’re in Islamorada.

Getting to Windley Key State Park

Located at the northern end of Islamorada, Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is an easy stop when you’re driving the Overseas Highway. If you’re heading towards Key West it’ll be on your right before you get to the Theater of the Seas, and if you’re heading towards Key Largo and John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park it’ll be on your left. There is plenty of parking and much of it is in the share. Be sure to pay your entrance fee per person and then check out the education center before wandering the trails.