When I was growing up in Maitland on the outskirts of Orlando one of my favorite things in the whole world was going to Wekiwa Springs State Park.

It wasn’t too far from us only about 20 minutes away in Longwood but as we entered the park and the landscape changed from strip malls and Interstate 4 to an oak hammock encircling a fantastic blue-green natural spring it felt like a completely different world.

With canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the Wekiva River a broad sloping lawn that stops near the water’s edge the pleasure of ducking into the frigid 72-degree spring and peering into the cavern where the river begins taking a break at the concession stand and market having a picnic walking on the nature trails or camping overnight… it all seems like a natural oasis near the world’s most popular tourist destination.

I visit Wekiwa often. I hope you get a chance to see it someday soon.

If You Go
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka
(407) 884-2008
$6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4 single driver
$2 pedestrians bicyclists
$24 camping per night
www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm
 

In the early morning, the springs are a stunning vision of natural Florida.

In the early morning, the springs are a stunning vision of natural Florida.

- Wekiwa Springs State Park

Boardwalks, camping, and nature trails are part of Wekiwa's appeal.

Boardwalks, camping, and nature trails are part of Wekiwa's appeal.

- Wekiwa Springs State Park

Florida Travel: Visit Wekiwa Springs State Park & Wekiva Island

Place To Remember