Additional Information for Wekiwa Springs State Park

Plant Life

Wekiwa Springs State Park is located within the Wekiva River Basin and is home to over 50 species of plants and animals which are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern with regulatory agencies. The largest recognized population of the endangered star anise can be found here. Trails will guide visitors through tall pines and majestic oak trees to view some of the more unusual plant life for this area like red buckeye, witch hazel, and flowering dogwood. Depending on the season, visitors can see goldenrod, passion flower, or beauty berry in bloom.

Wildlife

Wild life abounds in Wekiwa Springs State Park. Visitors may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the park's beautiful birds-great blue herons, Florida scrub jays, egrets, moorhens, warblers, ospreys, kingfishers or limpkins. Bird research has been taking place in Wekiwa Springs State Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve for years. Visit the Wekiva Basin Banding Station website for more information.

While it is always possible to see a Florida black bear, alligator or American bald eagle, visitors are more likely to be greeted by white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, wild turkey, or Sherman's fox squirrels.

Area Geography

Wekiwa Springs, for which the park is named, is one of the region’s most familiar and popular geologic features.

The spring’s name is derived from the Creek Indian word "Wekiwa" meaning "spring of water" or "bubbling water." Wekiwa Springs is the headwaters for the Wekiva River. "Wekiva" means "flowing water."

Springs commonly occur along each side of Florida’s central ridge. Rock Springs Run and Wekiwa Springs Run merge to form the Wekiva River, which flows into the St. Johns River fifteen miles to the northeast. Witherington Springs, located near the center of the park, forms Mill Creek, which flows into the swamp bordering Rock Springs Run.

A meandering walk from the wet river swamp up to the high, dry sandy ridges allows visitors the unique opportunity to experience many different aspects of natural Florida all in one place.

Pets

Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.

Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.