The 7,000 acres of Wekiwa Springs is to be found by the Wekiva River, where the Timucuan Indians hunted and fished. The scenery is natural and wild except for a number of mounds left by the Indians which are still visible. There is, of course a museum and visitor centre where you can learn more of the history of the area.

(“Wekiwa” is the Creek Indian word for “bubbling spring”, and “Wekiva” means “flowing water”)

The park gives you the opportunity to swim or to canoe in Wekiwa Springs, and you can rent your own canoe. You can also go fishing, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.

For those with more time to spare, there is camping available. There are sixty (60!) campsites in the park for families, and there are also separate camping facilities for backpackers, canoeists and horse riders.

If you have a bit of canoe experience there is a canoe trail which starts at the nearby Rock Springs, meets the Wekiva River at the State Park, and then continues north until it meets the St Johns River. It is 27 miles long, so not for beginners, but if you wished you could do a section or two of the run.

The wildlife in the park includes the Florida black bear, deer, grey fox, racoon (of course), ibis, wood storks and sandhill cranes.

If you are just there for the day, why not take a picnic. There is a picnic area which has picnic tables and BBQ grills if needed.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is about 20 minutes north of Orlando, and is located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Takes SR434 west, and turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd.

The Park is open every day of the year from 8 am until sundown. If you have become used to the prices for the Disney attractions, you will be amazed at the admission prices. A vehicle with between 2 and 8 people will cost the princely sum of $5. Something to think about in the current financial climate!

Andy Brownlie