Wakulla Springs
State Park and Lodge

The spring gives rise to the beautiful and pristine Wakulla River which flows several miles to the south where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Paleo-Indians are known to have camped at the spring 12,000 years ago, where they hunted mastodons, bison and other ancient animals. The bottom of the spring bowl is littered with bones of mastodons, giant sloths, giant armadillos and camels.

The pernicious, non-native plant, hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) recently invaded the spring and river. This aquatic weed is usually controlled using aquatic herbicides. However, because of the strong flow of the spring water, it is not possible to use herbicides to kill the hydrilla. Thanks to mechanical harvesting, as well as continuous manual control, as of April, 2001, hydrilla is under maintenance control and the spring is clear and swimmable.

Wakulla Springs State Park is a 4,700 acre wildlife sanctuary, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and designated a National Natural Landmark. It has three nature trail systems which meander through pine forests, cypress wetlands and hardwood hammocks. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians are welcome.

Glass bottom boat tours of the spring and river operate all year. Expect to see alligators, deer, turtles, turkey, limpkins, bald eagles...

The Wakulla Springs Lodge, built by Edward Ball in 1937, is a unique retreat which overlooks the spring. More-or-less maintained in its original elegance, the Lodge includes 27 guestrooms furnished with period furniture, a restfull dining room and a beautifully spacious lobby and sunroom. The room rate is very reasonable.

For more information or for reservations, contact Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge, 550 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32305. (850) 224-5950.

River and spring scenics River and spring scenics Hydrilla management

Lodge scenics Lodge scenics