Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park


Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida State Park located on a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast near Naples, Florida, six 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.

History

The early record of this area begins in the late 1800s with Joe Wiggins, for whom the park is named after. 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.

Fauna

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.

Recreational Activities

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.

Amenities

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

Hours & Fees

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