Officially named "Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park" - after the wealthy
financier who first developed the area into a tourist attraction in 1937 - this
state park covers 6,055 acres around the spring source of the Wakulla River. The
park is comprised of several discontinuous parcels. The largest of these,
acquired by the State Park Service in 1986, is the area at the spring basin
including the Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Wakulla Spring is a first magnitude spring that is one of the largest and
deepest fresh-water springs in the world - discharging an average of 260 million
gallons per day. The spring pool is 315 feet in diameter,185 feet deep, and
connects to an underwater cave system with over 26 miles of passageways explored
to date. Swimming is allowed at Wakulla Spring. Scuba diving is allowed at
Cherokee Sink, Emeral Sink, and Clearcut Sink - but not at the main spring.
The Lodge at Wakulla Spring is one of the most popular and famous attractions
at the park. Built by Edward Ball in 1937, the hotel - an example of
Mediterranean Revival architecture - has 26 elaborate rooms available for
overnight rental, a dining room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as
meeting and banquet facilities. It boasts the "world's longest marble bar" which
is currently located in the soda fountain and gift shop. Elaborate cypress wood
appointments, a grand piano and other period furnishings, and the original art-deco style elevator, help to make this a
unique place that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are approximately 9 miles of easy to moderate nature trails within the
main section of the park that may be used by hikers or bicyclists. Hiking
trails are also available in the Cherokee Sink Tract and Riversinks Tract of the
park.
One of the more popular amenities at Wakulla Springs State Park are the river
boat tours. A glass-bottom boat ride is available at times when the river water
is clear. But in recent years, these days have been few. There is also a 2 mile
round trip river boat tour along the Wakulla River. This is a ranger-led tour
that gets you up close to much of the local wildlife - which includes alligators
and manatees. Private boats, kayaks or canoes are not allowed on the Wakulla
River within the boundaries of the State Park.
Activities & Facilities