I’m back in central Florida for the weekend and Wekiwa Springs State Park is on my agenda.

Wekiwa is a word of the Creek (Muscogee) origin, often translated to mean “spring” or “bubbling water” referring to natural springs or places where water flows from the ground. This is fitting, as this park’s attraction is the large natural freshwater spring.

Little did I know that Wekiwa Springs State Park requires a reservation to enter. Really?! This park becomes so crowded because of the springs, they have to limit the number of people in the park. So, how did I get in?

Well, my Annual State Park pass expired and when she told me I couldn’t visit the park because I didn’t have a reservation, I asked if she would still renew my pass. Then, the park entry person started to chat with me. I explained that whenever I travel around Florida I visit a State Park. She gave me my pass and said, why don’t you just go drive around. I clearly also was not dressed for going swimming in the springs!

There are a couple of different areas in the park. From the website: “The azure waters of Wekiwa Springs have made it Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction. From the dense, almost tropical hammocks near where the springs feed into the Wekiva River to the scenic sandhill uplands, the park offers ample opportunities to see many kinds of animals.”

Understandable why this area is popular. It is a similar to a lake I use to go to in Illinois growing up. Lots of families and people picnicking on the hilly area surrounding the springs. Being it is early on a Saturday, people are just starting to arrive. When it gets full, it probably is not as much fun. A boardwalk leads to the springs area. Old oak trees line the path.

Leaving the springs area, a road will take you to the other end of the park. The drive on this road takes you past a Youth Camp entrance, hiking trails, a pine forest (sandhill) beautifully lining either side of the road and in some places there is a tree canopy over the road.

At the end, is a parking lot and a turnaround where you can walk on a sidewalk out to restrooms and a trail to Sand Lake. There are educational signs along the way and of course the Bear Warning signs!

A Florida must – an alligator warning sign near the lake. This would be a beautiful place to explore when the weather is cooler. The sand flies were out in full force on the sandy trails – no warning about them.!

A funky thing they did in the sidewalk path, paw prints of various animals that can be found in the park. The pig one made me laugh!

A park worth visiting – but make a reservation and prepare for crowds at the springs.