Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Islamorada

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 visit come alive.

Really cool fun interesting park. Not very big so don't expect to be here all day. But it has a nice walking trail and some really cool history about the area. It's basically a limestone quarry that was used back in the 1900s. Some of the equipment was abandoned and still there.