Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens – Williston FL

Another local gem that we found in Williston FL is the Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens. It is a botanical gardens that was built around an abandoned stone quarry. We were not sure what to expect, but this was an incredible surprise. There were many fountains, waterfalls, ponds, and many overlooking terraces. And the trees, plants, and flowers were in the thousands and all over the place.

History

Short story: An old stone quarry turned into a lush tropical gardens by a dentist.

The whole story from their website: The property originated as a 110-year old abandoned limestone quarry. Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens was founded by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened for public enjoyment in January of 2014. The creation of the gardens began over 27 years ago when Ray discovered the 100+ year old retired lime rock quarry in 1991. (Over 100 years ago, miners were harvesting lime rock from the property to create the foundation of Highway 27).

In 1991, Ray found that the property had been abandoned long ago, and it now was essentially a polluted swamp. He purchased the property for his own private use, initially intending to use the quarry as a giant fishing pond. He dug out what was left behind, including old mining remnants, and began to transform the old, polluted, swampy quarry.

Rock by rock, each rolled in by wheelbarrows and strategically placed by human hands, the walkways and walls of the gardens were created. With a small team of workers, he created different islands throughout the quarry, concrete walkways, separate pools, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos, and bridges made of Brazilian walnut.

With the structures now intact, Ray took up gardening as his hobby to add greenery to his creation. He discovered that he was just as passionate for gardening as he was for fishing, and now Ray is responsible for one of the most unique botanical creations you’ll ever see.​

Photos

I took about a hundred photos, so had to review a few times to find the best. It was a warm 80 degree day and the walk was pleasant. Plenty of shade and not strenuous at all. They had an upper loop and a lower loop with interconnecting paths.

You could also walk up to the owners house and walk on his patio/deck and many walkways. You had a free reign of the entire place. There were a few well placed signed that said the “recommended walkway this way” instead of KEEP OUT. Nicely done.

The entry fee of $12 was well worth it. You had full access to the grounds for all day and encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. The only rules were no swimming, fishing, or alcohol.

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Wrap Up

Our time in Williston FL is up and tomorrow we move a few miles west to Cedar Key FL. We have never been there before, so excited to explore. It will be very low key I’ve been told. It will be another stop on our tour to find the essence of “Old Florida.”

Take care and God Bless.