Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
(850) 561-7276
465 Wakulla Park Drive, Crawfordville, FL, USA
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/edward-ball-wakulla-springs-state-park
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Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary quietly hidden in Spanish moss-draped Florida woodlands, 30 minutes from Tallahassee. The heart of the park is the world famous Wakulla Springs. Cool water flows from the majestic springs to create the Wakulla River, one of the last pristine rivers in Florida.
One of Wakulla Springs’ main attractions is the boat tours that operate 365 days a year, depending on the weather. The three-mile River Tour is a forty minute cruise on the river to see alligators, native birds, turtles and other wildlife up close. When water conditions permit, glass bottom boats drift over the bowl of the Wakulla Spring, one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. It is a haven for local youths who love the exhilarating rush of a leap from the dive tower to swim in the 70-degree fahrenheit water.
The Wakulla Springs Lodge is a 1937 vision of quiet elegance, providing a retreat from the modern world. Twenty-seven guest rooms are furnished with period furniture and private bathrooms. The dining room overlooking the spring provides elegantly prepared food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gift items and light lunches are offered in the gift shop with one of the world’s longest marble counters. It also is the place to see the legendary “Old Joe,” an 11-foot 2-inch stuffed alligator. The lodge lobby with its intricately painted 10-foot ceiling is a place to relax. Its period furnishings include a grand piano, marble checker tables, a massive fireplace, and the lodge’s only television. For reservations and information about the hotel, restaurant and gift shop, please call 850-421-2000 or visit wakullaspringslodge.com.
A nature trail begins at the southwest edge of the Lodge parking lot. The trail allows visitors to discover a different aspect of the Wakulla Springs forest ecosystem. The portion of the trail on the north side of the river is multi-use as designated by the trail signs.
The following map and brochure is provided courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks.