Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Floridas oldest and most unique roadside attractions.
Its located about an hour north of Tampa at the crossroads of U.S. 19 and State Road 50.
Besides the Mermaid Shows, there were beautiful gardens, jungle cruises and a beach.
He taught them to smile and breathe with his new air hose while underwater.
They also learned to drink beverages and eat underwater.
As the performances became more sophisticated, Weeki Wachee’s fame grew and so did the crowds.
By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee was one of the nation’s most popular tourist stops.
At its height, during the 1960s, the mermaids performed ten shows a day.
During its heydays, Weeki Wachee Springs attracted celebrities including Elvis Presley, Arthur Godfrey, and Kevin Smith.
But then novelty wore off, and it no longer attracted headlines, investors, or crowds.
Fortunately, the government converted Weeki Wachee Springs to a Florida State Park in 2008.
Photo credit
Photo credit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
