When entering Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (an hour north of Tampa Bay), guests are greeted by the adagio statue, and mermaids suddenly are not as mythical as they seem. For decades, families have visited the park to see the Fintastic Attraction, which includes many water activities. When in the area, although Weeki Wachee is a wonderful pit stop, it can also be an entire day trip.
History of the park
Opened in 1947, the Mermaids have always been the top attraction at Weeki Wachee Springs. Even before the city of Weeki Wachee was developed, it had already mesmerized guests, including well-known visitors such as Elvis Presley. This attraction was unique due to the ability of “mermaids” created by Newton Perry to swim and do other activities underwater with an air hose.
What are the mermaid shows?
Currently, there are two mermaid shows you can attend: The Little Mermaid and Wonder of Weeki. The Little Mermaid show follows a similar plotline to the original story, not the plotline of the Walt Disney film. The Wonders of Weeki, a classic at the park, is where the mermaids do their historic show, dancing and eating in the spring. Both shows are equally a good experience to see the famed mermaids.
How can you become a mermaid?
If the qualifications are met, becoming a Weeki Wachee mermaid is possible. The main requirement of this job is that you have to be an impeccable swimmer. But, it has also been stated that you need to obtain a special certification called SCUBA to fulfill the qualification. Even though swimming with a tail and air tube may be different at first, if you can succeed with the required skills, you may be their newest professional mermaid!
Other attractions at the park
Along with the mermaids, Weeki Wachee contains other great attractions. You can ride the boat at the State Park that will take you down the Weeki Wachee river. With an additional fee, you can also use canoes and kayaks to paddle through the beautiful scenery of the park. Buccaneer Bay, the waterpark within the park, is as popular as the mermaid shows. It has slides, a lazy river, and more, all in the spring water.
Making a stop at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park can indefinitely be a well-loved memory. The must-see mermaids are just the beginning of the Weeki Wachee visitors’ full day of activities. More than 75 years later, Weeki Wachee has clearly made a mark in Florida’s history.
Sources used:
Photo credit: Danielle Anderson
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park/mermaid-shows
Great job Madison and I was very suprised about picture of statue and comment about 1947 wow 75 years! I moved here in 1963 and we always passed weeki wachee coming and going on vacations but never stopped at this Florida historic attraction. Great Job Again.
It is a fantastic park everyone should see. Thank you for your informative article!
Great article! This sounds like a wonderful attraction and now I’m looking forward to visiting.