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Tucked away in Florida's Panhandle, not far from Tallahassee, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park feels like a completely different side of Florida.
There are no theme-park crowds or high-rise resorts here. Instead, you'll find enormous cypress trees, clear spring water, abundant wildlife, and a historic lodge that seems to belong to another era.
Wakulla Springs is home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, and the park has been attracting visitors for generations. It is the kind of place where you can spend a few hours exploring, swimming, watching wildlife, or simply sitting beneath the trees and enjoying a slower pace.
For me, though, one of the most memorable parts of visiting Wakulla Springs was the feeling that I had stepped back in time.
A Step Back in Time
As soon as I arrived at Wakulla Springs, I had the feeling that I was somewhere very different from the Florida I usually picture.
The centerpiece of the park is the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. Built in the 1930s by Edward Ball, the lodge was designed as an elegant retreat and still has much of its original character. The Spanish-style architecture, period furnishings, painted ceilings, and old-fashioned details give it a personality that you just don't find in many places anymore.
And I have to admit, the whole place gave me a little bit of a The Shining vibe.
Not because anything scary happened, but because of the combination of the enormous old lodge, the quiet surroundings, the dark wood, and the feeling of being transported to another time. I kept expecting to see someone wandering down the hallway!
It was fascinating to walk around and imagine what Wakulla Springs must have been like when the lodge first opened.
Edward Ball purchased the springs and surrounding property in the 1930s and developed the lodge as a peaceful retreat. Today, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of the best examples of Old Florida charm.
The Spring
Of course, the lodge isn't the reason most people come to Wakulla Springs.
That would be the spring itself.
The water is an incredible shade of blue-green and remains around 70 degrees year-round. On a hot Florida day, that cool water looks incredibly inviting.
Swimming is allowed in the designated swimming area, and there is a 22-foot diving and observation tower for those brave enough to take the plunge. The spring is also popular for snorkeling.One of the things that makes Wakulla Springs so fascinating is that the water comes from an enormous underground system of caves and limestone passages. The spring and surrounding area are part of Florida's Woodville Karst Plain, a region filled with springs, sinkholes and underground waterways.
It is a reminder that there is an entire world beneath Florida's surface that we rarely get to see.
Wildlife Everywhere
If you enjoy seeing wildlife, Wakulla Springs is definitely worth a visit.
The park is home to alligators, turtles, fish, birds and other wildlife, while manatees can sometimes be seen in the river and spring. The surrounding cypress swamp creates an incredible habitat for wildlife, and you never really know what you're going to see next.
Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the park. Great egrets, herons, anhingas, grebes and other birds can be seen around the water, and the riverboat tours provide some excellent opportunities to see them up close.
And, of course, there are alligators.
They are part of the landscape here, and seeing one basking along the riverbank is one of those quintessential Florida experiences.
Take a Riverboat Tour
One of the best ways to experience Wakulla Springs is from the water.
The park offers guided riverboat tours along the Wakulla River. The boats travel about two miles downstream and back, with the trip generally lasting between 45 and 55 minutes. Along the way, you'll pass beneath towering cypress trees while watching for birds, alligators, turtles and, if you're lucky, manatees.
The tours aren't just about looking for wildlife. Rangers also share stories about the history of the spring, the people who lived here, the movies filmed in the area and the underground cave system that feeds the spring.
This is one of those experiences where having a knowledgeable guide makes the visit much more interesting.
The clear water also has a long history of attracting people who wanted to see what was beneath the surface. Glass-bottom boats have been associated with Wakulla Springs for generations, dating back to the late 1800s.
Today, the riverboat tour is one of the park's signature experiences.
Old Florida Meets Hollywood
Wakulla Springs has another interesting claim to fame: Hollywood.
The park's ancient-looking cypress forests and spring waters have provided the backdrop for several movies, including Tarzan's Secret Treasure and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
It's easy to understand why filmmakers were drawn here.
Standing among the huge trees and looking out over the dark, quiet water, the landscape feels almost prehistoric. It isn't difficult to imagine why Hollywood saw something special in this place.
And then there's the lodge.
With its historic architecture, old-fashioned furnishings and peaceful setting overlooking the springs, it feels like a movie set even when there isn't a camera anywhere around.
Wakulla Springs has another interesting claim to fame: Hollywood.
The park's ancient-looking cypress forests and spring waters have provided the backdrop for several movies, including Tarzan's Secret Treasure and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
It's easy to understand why filmmakers were drawn here.
Standing among the huge trees and looking out over the dark, quiet water, the landscape feels almost prehistoric. It isn't difficult to imagine why Hollywood saw something special in this place.
And then there's the lodge.
With its historic architecture, old-fashioned furnishings and peaceful setting overlooking the springs, it feels like a movie set even when there isn't a camera anywhere around.
More Than Just a Spring
Although the spring and river are the main attractions, there is more to do at Wakulla Springs than swim and take a boat ride.
The park has nature trails, opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, picnic areas and plenty of places to simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings. The main Nature Trail system offers several miles of trails through the park's natural landscape.
You can also spend some time exploring the lodge.
The Edward Ball Dining Room is still open and serves as a reminder of the property's history, while the old-fashioned soda fountain and gift shop add to the nostalgic atmosphere.
For me, that combination is what makes Wakulla Springs so interesting.
You aren't simply visiting a natural spring. You're experiencing a little piece of Florida history at the same time.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Hours
8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
The Lodge is a full-service hotel, open 24 hours.
Admission
- $6 vehicle with two to eight occupants.
- $4 single-occupant vehicle.
- $2 per extra vehicle occupant.
- $2 pedestrian or bicyclist.
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