Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park — Attraction in Islamorada

Like a lot of other folks, I have driven by this place and never knew it was there. I am currently on a quest to visit and experience all Florida State Parks. Florida Keys has 10 about to be 11 so I’ll be visiting a few while I’m here. Nice place with interesting history. The quarry was used as part of Flaglers railroad. It’s also used as the stone for many business including the post office here on the island. There are several trails you can take with the longest being 1/2 mile. The ground can be difficult in some areas as it’s natural quarry rock and a few wood stumps. Be careful, I almost tripped a few times. Don’t let this discourage you, just be aware and wear appropriate foot ware. The tree canopy makes for a nice trail cover so you’re not walking under the hot sun. The ranger will let you borrow a book or you can purchase one to take on your hike. You match the trail markers with the corresponding pictures in the book and it will tell you about the trees or plants or any area of interest that is marked. It also gives a history of the park, shows the trail map and some other interesting tid bits. The ranger was awesome. Wish I could remember his name. He was upbeat, funny and friendly. Answered all questions asked. He actually seemed to enjoy his job which was nice to see for a change. Ranger with the piercings, you made our day. If you live here or are just visiting make some time to stop in and check this place out. Get out and support our state parks. They’re pretty cool and it’s land set aside for us to enjoy and learn a thing or two. Shaded picnic areas for anyone interested....

We always enjoy fossil parks but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Our verdict: this place is very cool. The formations within the coral reef are unlike anything I have seen before. I really enjoy the patterns found in nature. The kids like to be able to see and touch fossil formations. It’s one thing to study fossils and visit the Smithsonian (which we 100% love!) but it is an entirely different experience to be outside and running fingers along the geological formations. In addition to the reef fossils, Winfrey has a really neat collection of nature trails and old abandoned coral reef quarry equipment. I’d recommend see this in connection with the Discovery Center’s (different place not far down the road) movie on how trains came down the islands. A note about the Florida Park rangers who staff this park: they are an incredible resource. They were passionate in explaining details about the fossils and plants, exceptionally well-versed in the natural history of the area, and all-in-all great people. They made our...

This is a 10-star review. Five are for the state park. The other 5 are for park ranger Herald. We visited the park not long after I tore my ACL, but I was determined to crutch it. After paying our entry fee, we noticed a motorized wheelchair with tank treads. It was a wheel-tank. Herald said they have that chair to make the park more accessible. After signing some waivers, I was transformed into Tank-Man. Honestly, this was the best experience I've had during our Keys trip because it was the first time I wasn't completely dependent on my girlfriend for help.

Herald gives park goers a book that describes each trail marker along the way. After wrapping up and dropping off our book, Herald took time to discuss the state of the paths for those that will use the wheel-tank in the future. He was appreciative of our feedback and committed to checking out the one path that presented a bit of a challenge. He's getting his own 5-star review for engaging with us and caring about his park. You're the man,...