Main Page - Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Welcome to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Manager's Message

During the early 1900s, Henry Flagler began quarrying activities along the Florida Keys and his impression on the landscape can still be seen today, especially in the quarries of Windley Key.

Great South Florida weather beckons the park visitor to take a walk through the hammock and view the quarry walls or to have a picnic in one of the quarries away from civilization. Whatever your plans may be, this is a great place to soak in the beautiful spring weather of South Florida.

- Melba Nezbed, Park Manager

Welcome to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Formed of Key Largo limestone, fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone called Keystone. Today, visitors can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of the ancient coral and learn about the quarry and its operation- an important part of Florida's 20th century history. Samples of the quarry machinery have been preserved at the park. Visitors can enjoy the natural attributes of this island while strolling five short, self-guided trails. Picnic tables are available. The visitor center, open Thursday through Monday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., features educational exhibits about the history of this site. Located at Mile Marker 85.5 on Windley Key near Islamorada.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, please call 305-664-2540.