Have you ever been to a botanical garden?

I hadn’t, before checking out Cedar Lakes. If you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a 20-acre filled with hundreds of species of plants and flowers. I know almost literally nothing about them, but my girlfriend and plant-enthusiast, Michele, seemed very excited about a lot of the plants you can find along the trail.

This was part of a weekend trip to Williston, where we also visited Devil’s Den. They both made for a great two days, so be sure to consider making Williston a weekend trip!

Cedar Lakes was created by Dr. Raymond Webber over 20 years ago. He transformed what was once a typical Florida swamp into the lush gardens you can see today. He opened the gardens to the public in 2014, and it’s exploded in population ever since. Dr. Raymond built his house to overlook the gardens, and the porch of his house is actually part of the trail itself! He continues to both live and work there, overseeing the park’s operation.

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Dr. Webber’s house overlooking the gardens

The park is open every day of the week except Wednesday from 8:30AM-5:30PM. It’s closed on Christmas Day, but open every other holiday of the year. The final entrance is 4:30PM, and the hike generally takes about 2 hours. Good news, entrance is cheap! Adults can get in for $12, children from 6-12 years old for $7, and children under 6 are free! Both annual memberships and group entrance fees are available as well. You can read more information here.

Enough talking, check out some photos! If they won’t make you want to visit Cedar Lakes, nothing will.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

The trail leading to Dr. Raymond’s house

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

The view from Dr. Raymond’s porch

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

The steps up to the highest point in Cedar Lakes

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Another view in Cedar Lakes

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Michele relaxin’

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

Michele creepin’

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Gettin’ some grub

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

This is…a flower…that I’m definitely familiar with

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Just admiring the view

A drone shot of Cedar Lakes Botanical Garden in Williston Florida with Andrew Uncharted

Gretchen was kind enough to let me fly my drone in the park!

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston with Andrew Uncharted

Another top-down shot… before some swans came to chase us off their turf

What did you think of Cedar Lakes?

Even though the botanical garden is man-made, it makes for some gorgeous views, as well as an impressively diverse ecosystem. Have you visited Cedar Lakes? What’s your favorite garden hike? Comment below and let me know!

Until next time!