Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a little-known botanical garden in Williston Florida. It is set in a 100-year-old limerock quarry and is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in Florida for nearly 30 years and had never heard of it. It is located in the middle of nowhere about 30 minutes NW of Ocala.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens was founded by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened in January of 2014. The vision for the gardens began over 32 years ago when Ray discovered the 100+ year old retired lime rock quarry in 1991. (Over one hundred 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 was 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 swampy quarry.
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 assumed gardening as his hobby to add greenery to his creation. Ray is responsible for one of the most unique botanical creations you will ever see.
In 2014, Ray created the 501(c)(3) non-profit Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, Inc. He donated the entire 20-acre botanical garden to the non-profit and opened it to the public. He then donated the entire 64-acre surrounding woodlands to Conservation Florida in order to keep them protected in the future.
It is worth stopping when in central Florida. The gardens host multiple festivals each year. I visited during the plant show. The next festival is the Fall Arts Festival on 10/12/2024.
I would recommend allowing at least two hours to wander through the gardens. There is nowhere to buy food or drink on the property so pack a lunch and bring water. There are many benches and picnic tables throughout the trails to allow visitors to sit and enjoy the spectacular views.
Daily admission fees are:
- Adults (Ages 13+): $12.00 + TAX
- Children (Ages 6 – 13): $7.00 + TAX
- Children 5 and Under: Free
- Military (with ID): $6.00 + TAX
- Members: Free