Wekiva springs also known as Wekiwa to the Native Americans is said to be one of the most ancient Timucuan hunting grounds  in the state of Florida dating back to 8500 BC. By the 1800s of course they were forced out or completely died off due to illnesses. But archaeologist have found no evidence that the Indians lived in these woods rather they were used to hunt gator, deer, collect giant turtle, plants etc

The name Wekiwa means spring of water its a creek word. In the 1500s besides the Indians the Spanish owned this territory and like most springs they thought of this one to have healing properties. It was said to cure kidney, bladder problems, and Rheumatism. Andrew told me about how this place is full of many alligators worst then any area he has been I guess around here you get some nice 18 footers moving around. Anyhow going back to the history.....

When the 1800s rolled around the area was used for farming and milling. Then after the civil war it was used for tourism and a hotel along with other attractions were constructed near the spring. These did all stay in operation up until the great depression. They also had a toboggan slide that tourist would ride right into the springs. Back in the 1800s many would visit the dance pavilion or take a picnic near the springs perhaps we are all living in the wrong time period cause back then people appreciated the simple things more.  Over the years all of that has been removed giving it a more natural appeal.

Also near the springs the turpentine industry came into play by the late 1800s and continued to about the late 1930's. The grooves the tuperntiners cut into the tree to make extractions resembled a cat's whiskers. The cat faces are still said to be visible on some of the very old pine trees off in the forest. The area was also used for logging and timbered in the 1930s. If you were to hike around in the woods  you would find old Logging roads and railroad grades left by the logging companies. 

In 1941 the Apopka Sportsmen Club purchased the property from the Wilson Cypress Company and used the area for recreation till about 1969 when the State Of Florida purchased the area to use as a state park. By 1970 visitors from all over the world have been enjoying this place cause its a natural untouched jewel. 

The springs located at the head waters of the Wekiva River are quite large with a 5 foot depth in some areas as well as a 20 foot cave which opens up into a cavern. The cavern extends into a deeper cave which has only been explored as far as 150 feet so under ground is more of a mystery to the curious. The area is used heavily by canoeist and kayakers and their is about 13 miles of trails located on its 7000 acre forest.

The area is known for its shell middens of course we did not find any but we were on the opposite side of the river if we went in a little deeper or a couple miles more their is a place here that has many small Indian mounds. The Indians mainly used this area to fish and hunt the shells often were discarded creating a midden. Its a very interesting historical location in my opinion.

© By

Lord Rick-AngelOfThyNight