WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller May 8, 2025

Wekiwa Springs State Park lies in Apopka, Florida. It covers 7,000 acres. The park centers on Wekiwa Springs, a second-magnitude spring.

Visitors swim, canoe, or hike. Trails wind through forests and wetlands. The park offers camping and wildlife viewing. It’s a haven for relaxation and exploration.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

The area was home to Timucua Indians for centuries. Their name, meaning “flowing water,” inspired the park’s title. In the 1800s, settlers arrived, drawn by the spring.

The 1830s Second Seminole War disrupted the region. By the 1860s, mills and farms dotted the area. Tourists flocked to the springs in the 1890s for health benefits.

The state acquired the land in 1969, opening the park in 1970. The park preserves Native American sites and early settler history. It reflects Florida’s shift from agriculture to conservation. 

Located at 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, the park is 10 miles northwest of Orlando. It’s open daily, 8 AM to sunset. Parking is available on-site.

Swim at the spring or rent canoes; book on the website or call 407-553-4383. Reservations will be required to enter Wekiwa Springs State Park from March 12 to Sept. 1.

Hike the 13.5-mile main trail or shorter loops. Bring water, bug spray, and sunscreen; trails lack shade. Pets are allowed but restricted near the spring.

Check for seasonal ranger programs. The park is ADA-accessible with restrooms and picnic areas. 

• Wekiwa Springs pumps 43 million gallons of water daily.  

• The park hosts black bears, often seen on trails.  

• A 19th-century steamboat once navigated the Wekiva River nearby.  

• The spring maintains a steady 72°F year-round.  

• Sand Lake, a sinkhole within the park, supports rare orchids.  

• The park’s Youth Camp, built in 1972, hosts group retreats.  

• Snorkelers spot turtles and fish in the spring’s clear waters.  

• A 1990s archaeological dig uncovered Timucua pottery, now displayed at the visitor center. 

•  The park connects to the Florida National Scenic Trail.

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK WEBSITE