Last Updated on February 22, 2024
Weeki Wachee Springs is a deep spring in Hernando County (Central West Florida). It’s one of the most profound freshwater cave systems in the United States.
The spring is located on the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The spring is so deep that the bottom has yet to be found.
History of Weeki Wachee Springs
Natural springs have played an important role in Florida’s tourism history, with Weeki Wachee Springs as well as Wakulla Springs, and Silver Springs all being tourist destinations long before Disney World and other theme parks opened in Central Florida.
Weeki Wachee Springs plays a notable role in Florida history, being one of the oldest roadside attractions in the state of Florida. It opened in October 1947.
The fascinating history of Weeki Wachee Springs includes underwater shows, iconic mermaids, movie stars, and its transformation into a state park. Additionally, the springs is on the National Register of Historic Places.
In late 2023, we are celebrating the 76th anniversary and the history of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park by reminiscing over some of the park’s most notable milestones and what is in store for the future.
1947 – The Early Days
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park opened to the public on October 13, 1947.
Newton Perry found Weeki Wachee and thought it was a good site for business since it was located off U.S. 19, a small two-lane road. Perry was in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he trained Navy Frogmen to swim underwater.
At Weeki Wachee, he invented a method of breathing underwater using a free-flowing air hose that supplies oxygen from an air compressor. This method allows swimmers to be underwater with no breathing apparatus for long periods.
Initially, an 18-seat theater was built six feet under the surface of the spring, giving the audience a spectacular view of the beautiful spring.
The underwater theater would be the viewing place of the first mermaid show on October 13, 1947, where the first mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs performed underwater ballet movements.
To attract visitors, signs were put up on U.S. 19, and whenever the performers would hear a car coming down the road, they would run out and entice passersby to stay for a show.
The 1950s – Becoming One of the Nation’s Most Popular Tourist Stops
After that first show, the mermaid shows quickly rose in popularity over the next few years.
During the 1950s, Weeki Wachee became one of the nation’s most popular tourist stops.
Along with orchid gardens, boat tours, and a new sandy beach, there was plenty to do and see at Weeki Wachee Springs.
Popularity spread worldwide, and the springs became the location site for movies like Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid and Neptune’s Daughter.
1959 – Spring Purchased by the American Broadcasting Company
In 1959, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased Weeki Wachee Springs. With this acquisition came lots of promotion, including constructing a more prominent 400-seat theater on the side of the spring, located 16 feet below the surface for the mermaid attraction.
New themes, music, and storylines were created for shows. The Weeki Wachee mermaids put on eight shows daily to sold-out audiences, captivating as many as half a million people a year.
Some audience members included famous people like Elvis Presley and Don Knotts.
1982 – Buccaneer Bay Opened in Weeki Wachee
Buccaneer Bay opened in 1982 within Weeki Wachee Springs.
Buccaneer Bay is a water park with slides that take participants on thrilling rides into the natural springs.
1997 – The Mermaids of Yesteryear
In 1997, Weeki Wachee began the Mermaids of Yesteryear shows. The popular shows featured former mermaids that returned to enchant audiences once again.
2008 – Becoming a Florida State Park
In 2008, Weeki Wachee Springs officially became part of the Florida State Park family and changed the name to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
They continue to commit to preserving, interpreting, restoring, and providing resource-based recreation experiences.
2022 – Celebrating 75 Years at Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs has officially been open for 75 magical years. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Ian, the celebration was postponed until January 2023.
In celebration of its 75th Anniversary, Hernando County will unveil over 20 life-size mermaid statues.
The public art project partners include the Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau, Brooksville Main Street, and the Hernando County Fine Arts Council.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Learn more about visiting Weeki Wachee from Florida State Parks.
The “Destination Mermaids – The Tail Trail” is now open. You can learn more by visiting the Florida Mermaid Trail website.
If you enjoyed this article about Weeki Wachee Springs and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:
- Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
- 6 Magical Places to See Florida Mermaids
- Put the Florida Mermaid Trail in Brooksville on Your Bucket List
- 23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
- Two Wonderful Weeki Wachee Book Recommendations
- A Day Trip to Florida’s Kitschy Adventure Coast
- Making Mermaid Statues: Follow the Tails
Can’t wait to get my pictures taken with the new painted mermaid photo options. Love ❤️ them and love the new paint jobs!! Thank you for this wonderful magical mermaid lagoon!!