Florida Guide > Places to Visit
Waccasaasa Bay
Waccasaasa Bay Preserve State Park is situated in Cedar Key beween Yankee Town and Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
You can trace the history of this park back to the Native American and there are artefacts found here that prove that the Indian communities once lived here. Next came the homesteaders and there was also an era of timber production.
Cedar Key became a customer of Wacasassa at one time for the cedar wood garnered from the hammock. They also produced brooms and brushes from the sable palm fibres and you can still see the remains of the boilers used in this process.
During the Civil War, there was some early de salination and salt island was named to remember this. They did this by the primitive method of giant kettles.
The previously mentioned hammock forms the greater part of the geology of this area and the Parks Department are doing a great job in preserving and restoring it.
The Florida Aquifer tips out here and artesian springs and creeks have formed. If you visit during low tide mollusk reefs are revealed. At certain times you are allowed to collect yourself a free supper by harvesting the oysters.
Manatee, the bald eagle, black bear and the Florida panther are sometimes seen here and you will often see deer and turkey. More often spotted are raccoons and otters particularly during the spring. The migration seasons are great for bird spotters.
The salt marshes provide a rich source crabs, shell fish and a variety of salt water fish.
Obviously this area is wonderful for anglers who can indulge in both salt and fresh water fishing. You will need a licence. These are available from sports shops, Walmart and on line.
The coastal hammock contains cedar, live oak, winged elm and spanish bayonette; occasionally you may also spot an orchid, red mangrove and the giant leather fern.
This park is only accessible by boat from C=40 at Yankee Town, C-326 in Gulf Hammock and from the City Marina in Cedar Key. For further information cal 352-543-5567
In light of the undeveloped nature of the park you need to pack all you need for your day out. This should crucially include lots of water, sun screen, insect repellant and a shady hat. Also useful are a few snacks, sunglasses, camera and binoculars.
If you are able to schedule in a visit to this park it is sure that you will enjoy an experience that will be a holiday high light!
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