The area - which is part of the Hernando County “Nature Coast” - features spectacular natural beauty and resources as well as excellent recreational opportunities. The Weeki Wachee Preserve is a 6,000-acre tract that includes low lands and the estuary marshes. The preserve protects wildlife while providing recreational opportunities includes canoeing and kayaking as well as seven deep-water rock quarry lakes that provide both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
The modern history Weeki Wachee dates back to 1883 when relatives of Ella Wilder Metcalf bought 500 acres for $5,000. In the 1940s, the growing city of St. Petersburg bought the rights to the spring and 526 surrounding acres and then leased it to a four-man development group. The Weeki Wachee Spring tourist attraction opened in 1947 to widespread popularity. By 1957, it was known worldwide for its mermaid show. Hollywood movie producers used the area for location shooting for such movies as Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid and Cross Winds. The American Broadcasting Co. bought the attraction in 1959.
The town itself was incorporated in 1965 so it could appear on Florida maps. Buccaneer Bay, an adjacent water park, opened in 1982. In 1984, ABC sold Weeki Wachee Spring and Buccaneer Bay to Florida Leisure Attractions. Florida Leisure Acquisition Corp. purchased the property in 1989. It is now operated by the Weeki Wachee Springs Co.