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An anhinga sits wings outstretched near the base of a large cypress tree.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

One of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs is rimmed by an ancient cypress swamp

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The Lodge is a full-service hotel, open 24 hours.
 

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

465 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs FL 32327

Get directions

Contact Info

850-561-7276

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
  • Events
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Welcome to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home to one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

The invigorating 70 degree waters are sure to refresh you on even the hottest summer days. The historic lodge is an elegant remnant of old Florida, and the ancient cypress swamps made the perfect backdrop for old Hollywood movies.

Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps and wildlife when they decided to film Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) here.

Today, visitors can swim where mastodons once roamed and take guided boat tours where dugout canoes once glided across the cool waters. Alligators, manatees and an abundance of bird life can all be seen.

Visitors can also marvel at a 1930s Spanish style lodge with its period furniture, original elevators and colorful painted ceilings that depict wildlife and Old Florida scenes.

Plan Your Visit

Lance Kelly
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Manager's Message

To protect the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers, some park procedures and activities have been modified or suspended, and new measures are in place to reduce density.

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
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The Lodge at Wakulla Springs

The Wakulla Springs Lodge is an example of precise craftsmanship and offers visitors a timeless glimpse into Florida’s pristine and elegant past.
River Boat Tour on Spring Run
Service

Historic Boat Tours

The spring has been a gathering place for humans and wildlife for thousands of years. The best way to experience all that the river has to offer is on a guided river boat tour.
FGS Designation
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Geology of Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Wakulla Spring is located in a region known as the Woodville Karst Plain because the area contains numerous springs, sinkholes and submerged cave systems formed by the dissolving of limestone over thousands to millions of years. 
An example of a healthy upland pine community.
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Habitat Restoration in Progress

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park has started a multi-year resource restoration project at its River Sinks and Turner Sinks parcels. Restoring this property from planted loblolly pines to a natural upland pine community will provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Lodge
Lodge
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Recycling
Recycling
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Photo Gallery

Springs, diver, swim
Diving tower at Wakulla Springs
Anhinga sits on a branch with winds outstretched to dry off.
River Boat Tour inside
Two young alligators sit on the back of their mother.
Manatee comes up for a breath of air at the waters surface.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
VIDEO: Chimney swifts circle before entering the chimney to roost.
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Counting Chimney Swifts at Wakulla Springs Lodge

Recently, about 70 visitors gathered in the front of the Lodge to learn about the Chimney Swifts and watch their aerial dance as they entered the chimney to roost for the evening.
A group of butterflies perched on a stump.
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History of Wakulla Springs

True to Ball’s word to preserve the area and to create a serene and peaceful retreat, the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is an example of precise craftsmanship and offers visitors a timeless glimpse into Florida’s pristine and elegant past.

Upcoming Events

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Event

Junior Birder's Program

Fri, May 9, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am EST

Learn to distinguish over 800 species of birds found in the United States, by learning the different subtle colors, patterns, shapes, and sounds of birds.
Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs, FL

Event

Coffee With A Ranger

Sun, May 11, 2025 8:30 am - 10:00 am EST

Ever wonder what it takes to become a part of the Florida State Park Service? Or maybe questions about Wakulla Springs? Join this ranger led program to find answers.
Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs, FL

Event

Junior Birder Nature Walk

Sat, May 24, 2025 9:00 am - 10:30 am EST

Join our ranger led hike as we teach you some distinguishing traits on different bird species found here at Wakulla Springs State Park.
Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Colin Johnson.

Staff Spotlight

Collin has written songs about the Wakulla River and its critters which he sings to his delighted river boat tour guests. He unabashedly admits, “This is my dream job.”
Cole Randolph

Volunteer Spotlight

Cole is the recipient of the 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year Award in Maintenance.
Wakulla Springs

Friends of Wakulla Springs

Members of Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park learn what’s happening at the park and participate in the protection and improvement of its natural and cultural resources.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Register of Historic Places
State Geological Site

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

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FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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