Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
A quarry site from the Flagler railroad era, where cross-sections of ancient coral fossils are clearly visible on the rock walls.
Windley Key was quarried to build Flagler's Overseas Railroad. The high quarry walls clearly preserve fossil cross-sections of a coral reef about 125,000 years old, with brain coral and staghorn coral textures easy to see, so you can examine the geology of the Florida Keys up close. The park keeps quarry machinery and stone blocks, and it also has a short trail through tropical hardwood forest and a small education center. Admission is inexpensive, and a visit takes about an hour. It is open on limited days, so check before you go.
Opening hours
Usually Thu–Mon 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Theater of the Sea
- Rain Barrel Artisan Village
- History of Diving Museum
- Islamorada Founders Park
- Florida Keys Memorial (Hurricane Monument)
- Alligator Reef Lighthouse
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
- Indian Key Historic State Park