Park Summary for Print - Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Three green Peninsula Cooter turtles rest on a log.

Welcome to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this park plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year-round. A full-service dining room overlooks the spring; lodge meeting facilities offer an excellent place for retreats. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. To reserve a guest or meeting room, please call the park. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee on State Road 267 at the intersection with State Road 61.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, please call 850-926-0700.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Traveling East on I-10 to new Exit 196 (old Exit 28). Take SR-263 (Capitol Circle) South 12 miles. Turn right (South) onto US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance. From West I-10 use new Exit 203(old Exit 30). Take SR-61 (Thomasville Rd) South. Continue on SR-61 thru Tallahassee for 10 miles. Take US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) South for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00

Guest Rooms
$85.00 - $105.00

Boat Tour Fees
Adult Tour $6.00
Child Tour, children 12 and under $4.00
Charter Boat Tour $200.00

Activities at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

	Boat Tours Join us for a boat tour
	Concessions Food and/or drinks can be purchased here. Dining Room You can enjoy magnificent cuisine and a beautiful view through the arched windows of the Ball Room Restaurant. The dining room features daily specials, fresh seafood and many local favorites including our "World Famous" Navy bean soup plus fried chicken for breakfast. The dining room is open for Breakfast from 7:30a.m to 10:00a.m. Lunch is served from 11:30a.m. until 2:00p.m and dinner is available from 6:00p.m.to 8:00p.m.
	Guided Tours Wakulla Springs offers two different type of Ranger guided boat tours. Both are unique and tour natural areas where wildlife is abundant and boat traffic is limited to only the park tour boats. Generations of wildlife have become accustom to the tour boats and are oblivious to them making for great photographic opportunities. The Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is a 30-minute trip over Wakulla Spring, one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. Peering down through the clear water to a depth of 125 feet, Park Rangers will share the mysteries and history of this unique natural area. Large gar, mudfish, bream and bass are observed, as well as, the catfish convention. One of the highlights will be observing the antics of " Henry, The Pole Vaulting Fish" . Stories will be told of local folklore and passengers will see prehistoric Mastodon bones on the bottom of the spring basin. The River Boat Tour is a 40 minute trip taking a different route. Park Rangers navigate the boat for the 3-mile round trip down the Wakulla River introducing you to the " Real Florida" . If observing alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat is what you are looking for then Wakulla Springs is the place to visit. The haunting call of the rare Limpkin, raucous call of the moorhen or the bellowing of the bull alligator are sounds that can be heard from the river boat. Large alligators, abundant birds, whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobcats and alligator snapping turtles all call this place home. So, come on down and experience a beautiful voyage on the world-renowned Wakulla Springs Boat Tours. The price for either boat tour is $6.00 for adults, and $4.00 for children 12 and under.
	Horse Trails Horse trails are available
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available
	Lodge A rustic turn of the centery lodge graces the edge of the springs. The lodge often plays host to weddings, conventions, and gatherings. Call the park for further details. Dining Room You can enjoy magnificent cuisine and a beautiful view through the arched windows of the Ball Room Restaurant. The dining room features daily specials, fresh seafood and many local favorites including our "World Famous" Navy bean soup plus fried chicken for breakfast. The dining room is open for Breakfast from 7:30a.m to 10:00a.m. Lunch is served from 11:30a.m. until 2:00p.m and dinner is available from 6:00p.m.to 8:00p.m.
	Nature Trails Hiking trails are available
	Picnicking Picnic areas including tables and grills are provided within the park.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is available in designated areas
	Swimming Swimming is allowed only within the designated swimming area near the spring. An observation and diving platform at the spring head allows a splendid view of the spring.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET
Date: Sunday, May 11th from 11:30am – 2pm
Description: Treat Mom to our sumptuous lunch at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. Our Mother’s Day Buffet has been a tradition for over 25 years.
Fees: Call for reservations and prices.
Contact: (850) 926-0700
RUN FOR WAKULLA SPRINGS
Date: Saturday, May 17th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs State Park will be the site of a 5K run benefiting The Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, Inc. The event is designed to encourage heart healthy activity while enjoying Florida's natural resources.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Fees will vary.
Fees: Normal park entrance fee required
Contact: (850)561-7286
EARLY BOAT TOUR
Date: Saturday, June 7th at 8am
Description: Enjoy an early morning sights and sounds as you cruise the scenic Wakulla River. Stop by afterwards for breakfast at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Fees: $8 Adults, $6 Children. Reservations suggested.
Contact: (850) 926-0700
EVENING CRUISE & DINNER
Date: Saturday, June 14th at 6pm
Description: End a lazy Saturday with a relaxing cruise on the scenic Wakulla River followed by a delicious dinner in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge.
Fees: $29.00 per person. Reservations Required
Contact: (850) 926-0700

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Ranger Programs

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park History

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail. By Katy Black, Volunteer
Wakulla Springs State Park There is a scene in “Fiddler On The Roof” in which the village matchmaker tells a father that a match between his not so good looking son and a village girl with limited eyesight is a perfect match. Sometimes the willing volunteer finds the perfect match with a particular volunteer job. That is the case with me and Woods Patrol. Woods Patrol was one of the jobs listed by Ron Weiss in a talk with the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park a little over three years ago. We were sitting at the picnic area eating barbeque when he began telling the group about all the volunteer opportunities that needed filling. The idea of driving the fourteen miles of dirt fire access roads in the park and seeing that they were kept clear of fallen limbs and trees appealed to me. So I began to pack my saw, ax and lopping shears every Tuesday and Friday morning and go to work. Three years and more than 250 Woods Patrols later, I’m still at it. What keeps me going? The physical labor involved varies, of course. I find it challenging to see just how little of the work I have to leave to the paid staff to do. Some trees just need to be done with a chain saw! But even then, I clean up the vines and branches so the staffers can spend as little time as possible on each tree. I consider the physical labor part of my osteoporosis prevention program - and cheaper than belonging to a spa. Being in the woods is a real treat for me. Birding is my number one hobby. No, be honest, Katy. It’s a passion - or a vice, maybe? Woods Patrol takes longer in warbler migration season, I’ve noticed! Over the course of three years, I’ve seen even such rare birds as the Cerulean warbler. Wild turkeys are another avian treat. Four legged critters I’ve seen include a coyote, three otters, bobcats, raccoons, opossums and fox squirrels. Deer are seen on probably three out of four trips. I have yet to see a bear, however. Maybe next time, but that’s part of the appeal. I never know what I’m going to see or what work I’m going to have to do. Finding your niche is always a pleasure. Woods Patrol is my comfort zone from a physical, visual, even spiritual aspect. A very old woman taught me the expression, “It rises my soul.” Find your place in the volunteer activities needed in the park. You couldn’t work for nicer, more appreciative folks. And they’ll tell you how much they appreciate what you do. Make yourself feel good - volunteer.
Please visit our website at www.wakullasprings.org