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

Hotel or B&BRestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsMountain bike trailsHorse trailsSwimmingRiver or lake kayakingMotor boating

• Florida State Parks website for Wakulla Springs State Park
• Park brochure
• Trail map
• Friends of Wakulla Springs citizen support organization
• The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
• 2007 Unit Management Plan
• 2016 Wakulla River Springs inventory