Florida has more to offer than just theme parks. While the theme parks create a lot of excitement, your family may want a break from the crowds and high costs. Save a day from your vacation for some natural entertainment. You don't need to drive far from Orlando. Only 20 miles from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park has an amazing emerald green spring fed freshwater pool for old time fun.
Patricia Schultz's book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die features Wekiwa Springs State Park as part of Florida's Natural Springs, "In Apopka, 7,800 Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River, only 20 minutes northwest Orlando, but 1,000 miles away in spirit. The Wekiwa spring ("bubbling water" in Creek) offers swimming and snorkeling, while the river it feeds is popular for canoeing and kayaking below a lush canopy of trees."
No matter the time of year, you'll cool down at the freshwater pool. The spring expels approximately 43 million gallons of water per day. The water temperature measures at approximately 72 degrees year-round. Despite the popularity, you'll find plenty of room to swim. The pool has over a half-acre area for swimming.
You'll also find space around the pool for your family to relax. If you plan ahead, bring a picnic. Otherwise, the park has a concession stand open 9AM-5PM.
I could only relax for so long, so I took up hiking. Considered the most diverse parks in Florida, I easily saw many types of trees and animals. The park has 25 miles of trails. I took a boardwalk trail which led me to their canoe rental station.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for a reasonable cost (respectively $35, $35-40, $40, per two hours). The short trip to Wekiva Island takes 1.5 hours round-trip. However, the island has a bar (Tooting Otter) and other amusements such as volleyball, so factor that into your time. Wekiva River is 16 miles. You can take longer trips such as the Otter camp and back. The National Wild and Scenic River System created by Congress in 1968 and signed into law by Lyndon Johnson protects these rivers. Wekiva River is one of only two Florida rivers Federally designated 'Wild and Scenic Rivers'. Enjoy the beauty!
I've heard some campers choose to drive outside Wekiwa Springs State Park and begin their canoe trip from Weikiva Island to the State Park. This begins the trip paddling with the current. Weikiva Island is privately owned and charges $2/person entry fee. Their watercraft rents by the day and varies (canoes $50, kayak $45-55, and paddlebaord $55). If you time it right, you could paddle during the day and listen to live music at a Friday or Saturday night at Tooting Otter.
A few tips:
- The pool does not have a lifeguard. It also has signs to watch for alligators. There's been no recorded attacks - yet.
- You should not swim in the river. It's known for alligator sightings. Otters are also active in the morning. I'd rather see the otters.
- You should arrive early. It opens at 8AM. Given the proximity to Orlando and low cost ($6/vehicle), you could encounter long lines just to enter the park. Plus, if you want to camp, the policy is first come, first serve.
- You can rent a locker near the pool.
I'm mesmerized by the crystal clear water and I've been to other springs in Florida including Homosassa Springs, Weeki Wachee SpringsPark, and Crystal River. Here's 10 places to visit Florida springs other than Wekiwa Spring State Park:
1. Wakulla Spring State Park
2. Juniper Springs Silver Springs
3. Rainbow Spring State Park
4. Madison Blue Springs State Park
5. Ichetucknee Springs & River State Park (Fort White, FL)
6. Ginnie Springs High Springs
7. Fanning Springs
8. Devil's Den Willison
9. Blue Springs (Gilchrist) High Springs
10. Blue Spring State Park (north of Orlando)
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