Waldo
County:
Alachua
The railroad that gave birth to Waldo as a population center in the 1870s is still a presence in the modern community. Distinguished as the only passenger train station in Alachua County, the Amtrak railway depot in Waldo continues to welcome passengers who are destined for northern and southern destinations along the eastern seaboard. After the civil war, a canal was dredged between Lake Alto and Lake Santa Fe, creating even more opportunity for tourism and commerce. As the large farms in this area disappeared in the 20th century, pleasure crafts took over the canal. Today, this waterway offers a panoramic cruise through the unspoiled natural beauty of northern Florida. Waldo continues to celebrate its railroad heritage every April with a festival, Waldo Railroad Day. Antique collectors enjoy browsing through the charming shops that line the main street, and residents look forward to farm-fresh goods and bargains at the Waldo Farmers and Flea Market. The market is the largest of its kind in north-central Florida and draws an enthusiastic crowd on the weekends.
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