Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Step back in time and explore the former quarry

Hours

Park is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday

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Fees

$2.50 per person

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Location

84900 Overseas Highway
Islamorada FL 33036

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Contact Info

305-664-2540

Welcome to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Formed of Key Largo limestone, or 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.

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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 8-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 are preserved at the park.

Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this island while strolling five short self-guided trails. Picnic tables are available.

The visitor center, which is currently closed, features educational exhibits about the history of this site when open. The park is located at Mile Marker 84.9 on Windley Key near Islamorada.

Plan Your Visit

Picture of Lu Dodson Park Manager of Indian Key
Learn

Manager's Message

Discover the coral reef of old, the history of the Flagler Railroad, and the Overseas Highway at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. Enjoy a self-guided shaded walk on our trails through a tropical hardwood hammock or join a ranger-guided tour December through April.
White Crowned Pigeon in a Short leaf fig tree.
Learn

Birding at Windley Key

Windley Key offers bird-watchers a unique experience throughout the year. It's an annual stopping point for a host of migrants pausing to rest or feed before or after crossing the Gulf of Mexico in the spring and fall.
Trail guide for Windley Key
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Tour Windley Key State Park

In the heart of Islamorada, lies 1.2 miles of trails that wind through a fossilized reef, hardwood hammock and mangrove fringe community.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Tours
Tours
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Parking
Parking
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Photo Gallery

A view of the channeling machine and the Windley Quarry
Action Trackchair available to checkout from the Education Center
Education Center at Windley Key overlooks the Windley Rock Quarry
Visitor's Center
Walking the nature trail
picnic tables in th e Flagler Quarry at Windely Key
Historic Machine
a fallen log alongside the nature trail with a shelf fungus growing on it.
FGS Designation
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Geology of Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

The Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park provides a beautiful exposure of a geological unit known as the Key Largo Limestone.  Fossil corals and other ancient marine life are preserved in these rocks and record a unique part of Florida’s geologic history.
Drilling at Windley Key
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History of Windley Key

Windley Key is best known for its important role in the construction of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, supplying the keystone fill for the bed of the railroad.

People Make the Parks

Larry Thurow

Staff Spotlight, Larry Thurow

Larry's lifestyle changed from being retired and traveling to volunteering at state parks in the Florida Keys. Now, he helps lead the efforts to protect our state parks while ensuring visitors have a great experience.
Cathy Thurow paddles under a bridge in the Florida Keys.

Volunteer Spotlight, Cathy Thurow

Cathy loves the outdoors. No matter how adventurous her volunteering journey is, some of her favorite experiences are beach and ocean cleanups.
Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks pose by a booth at the Holiday Festival

Friends of the Islamorada Area State Parks

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

State Geological Site

Park Map

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