Wekiwa Springs - Apopka, FL
N 28° 42.713 W 081° 27.625
17R E 455031 N 3176152
This large spring is one of several that feeds the Wekiwa River. The spring area itself is open to swimmers, canoes/kayaks are permitted outside of the 'pool area'.
Waymark Code: WM7K3E
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/03/2009
Views: 16
Wekiwa Springs State Park
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History
In the 1800s, Central Florida was primarily agricultural; however, with the end of the Civil War a stout tourist trade started to take advantage of Florida’s temperate winters, long summers and abundant natural beauty and out of that growth came Wekiwa Springs. In 1941, the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company, which had maintained a small Turpentine camp in what is now the park, maintaining the area for recreational use. By 1969 the state of Florida expressed interest the property for use as a state park and, starting in 1970 visitors from all over the country and all over the world have been enjoying the natural spring, crystal clear water and the area's abundant wild life. A major point for the springs popularity is the year round 72 degree temperature of the water.
The Spring
The main attraction at Wekiwa Springs Park is the spring, providing approximately 42 million gallons of water to the Wekiva River each day. The swimming area varies in depth from under a foot to five feet, and a small 15–20 foot deep cavern at the source of the spring. The cavern extends deeper into a cave, which has been explored in great detail. SCUBA and cave diving is strictly prohibited. The park has a nature center, and access to Wekiwa Springs, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River. Picnic pavilions equipped with charcoal grills exist in the picnic area. Canoes can be rented at the nature center. There are two campsites in Wekiwa Springs State Park that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak.
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