Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Summary

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida state park located on a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast near Naples, Florida, 6 miles west of I-75 in North Naples. The Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico are accessible from the park, which contains a hard-bottom reef.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Map showing the location of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Map showing the location of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Map showing the location of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Map showing the location of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
LocationCollier County, Florida, USA
Nearest cityNaples, Florida
Coordinates26°16′52″N 81°49′41″W / 26.28111°N 81.82806°W / 26.28111; -81.82806
Established1976
Governing bodyFlorida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Park

History edit

The early record of this area begins in the late 1800s with Joe Wiggins, for whom the park is named. He ran a trading post where he traded goods with Seminole Indians and settlers. Decades later, in 1964, Collier County acquired the land through the help of Lester J. and Dellora A. Norris. This is where the name Delnor comes from; the first three letters of Dellora and the first three letters of Norris. In 1970, the state of Florida purchased the land from Collier County for a state park, which opened in 1976.[1]

Fauna edit

Among the wildlife of the park are bald eagles, ospreys, owls, loggerhead sea turtles, West Indian manatees, and migratory shorebirds. The endangered gopher tortoise can also be found there. It is the only tortoise found east of the Mississippi River.[citation needed]

Recreational activities edit

Activities include fishing, sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, boating, geocaching, hiking, and nature viewing. Visitors can also scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, and picnic. A fishing license is required to fish at the park in some areas. Weddings can also be held there.[2]

Amenities edit

Amenities include beaches, boat ramps, boardwalks, observation decks, picnic areas, and a pavilion that has 10 tables and several grills, and can hold 100 people. Also, a concession stand is present.[2]

Hours and fees edit

Florida state parks are open between dawn and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). Admission is $6 per vehicle, and $5 to use the boat ramp, in addition to the admission fee.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park History". Florida State Parks. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Experiences & Amenities". Florida State Parks. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  3. ^ "Hours & Fees". Florida State Parks. Retrieved May 30, 2020.

External links edit

  Media related to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park at Wikimedia Commons

  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park at Florida State Parks
  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area at Absolutely Florida
  • Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area at Wildernet