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Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Review

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Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Fodor's Review:

The fossilized-coral reef at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, dating back about 125,000 years, shows that the Florida Keys were once beneath the ocean. Excavation of Windley Key's limestone bed by the Florida East Coast Railway exposed the petrified reef, full of beautifully fossilized-brain coral and sea ferns. The park contains the Alison Fahrer Environmental Education Center, with historic, biological, and geological displays about the area. There also are guided and self-guided tours along trails that lead to the railway's old quarrying equipment and cutting pits, where you can make rubbings of the interesting quarry walls. The first Saturday in March is Windley Key Day, when the park sells native plants and hosts environmental exhibits.

  • Cost: Education center free, quarry trails $1.50, ranger-guided tours $2.50
  • Open: Education center Thurs.-Mon. 8-5; tours at 10 and 2
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