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 Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Overnight Lodging:

$95.00 - $105.00 per night.

Boat Tour Fees:

$8.00 per adult.

$5.00 per child, 12 and under.

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 The River Boat Tour along the Wakulla River is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Tallahassee area. The 40-60 minute world-class wildlife viewing event takes visitors on a three mile loop downstream and back among majestic bald cypress trees, elegant wading birds, and toothy alligators. Manatees are often sighted, but their presence is not dependable. A camera is highly recommended to capture the candid images of the river’s fauna. The ranger-led tour not only highlights the wildlife, but often includes stories of human interactions with the spring. They sometimes feature the lives of indigenous peoples, movies filmed during the Edward Ball years, and/or the more recent adventures of explorations within the caves that bring water to the spring. The River Boat Tours run 365 days a year weather permitting (Temperatures must be above 40 degrees and are not conducted during thunderstorms.) The boats are thirty feet long and have a roof. There is also a wheelchair accessible boat that is available upon request. The Waterfront Visitor’s Center opens at 9:30am and the first boat departs at 9:40am. Succeeding tours depart at varying times dependent upon visitor demand. Greater visitation results in more frequent tours. The last tour of the day during Standard Time departs at 4:30pm EST. The last tour of the day during Daylight Saving Time is 5:00pm EDT. The cost of the tour is $8 for adults (13 years old and up), $5 for children (ages 3-12), and under the age of three there is no charge. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis for the next scheduled tour of the day only. Because of the unpredictable and sudden nature of North Florida weather, tickets are not sold on tours beyond the next one scheduled. Reservations are not available. Groups of twenty or more are encouraged to make prior arrangements to assure tour accommodations. Special Early Boat Tours and Cruise and Dinner packages are available on special dates throughout the year. Please see the park’s special event section for dates, times, and associated fees. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours over the spring basin have become the exception rather than the rule in recent years. Tea-stained or green water impedes the penetration of light needed to view the impressive features of the 120 foot deep chasm of Wakulla Spring. Heavy rains and other unknown factors are thought to be the cause of decreased visibility. On those rare days (usually in late winter or early spring) when the “mysterious waters” of Wakulla Spring may momentarily regain their aquamarine tint and crystal clear quality, the gasps of visitors moved by the spring’s abyss can once again be heard. The ancient remains of great furry elephants (mastodons) can be seen resting on the basin’s steep sandy slopes. Schools of catfish dance in the spring’s depths, fish conventions follow the boat, and even out-of-practice Henry-the-Pole-Vaulting-Fish may choose to entertain upon request of the captain. The 30 minute Glass-Bottom Boat Tour departs at 12:00pm, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm weather and water clarity permitting. The tour times endeavor to take advantage of the sun’s best light. The cost of the tour is $8 for adults (13 years old and up), $5 for children (ages 3-12), and under the age of three there is no charge. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly suggested that the park be contacted prior to expected visitation to ascertain the feasibility of glass-bottom boat operation. Water quality conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
	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

TWILIGHT CRUISE AND DINNER
Date: Saturday, Nov 21st at 5:00 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs Lodge & State Park to come and enjoy the colors of the foliage along the Wakulla River at their peak basked in the warm glow of twilight. Relax with a soothing cruise followed by a delicious dinner in the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings.
Fees: $32 Adults, $20 Children 12 and under. Res Suggest
Contact: (850) 926-0700
HOLIDAY CRUISE AND DINNER
Date: Saturday, Dec 19th at 5:00 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs Lodge & State Park invites you and your family to take an evening out for a cruise on the Wakulla River followed by dinner in the historic lodge and an old-fashioned sing-a-long in the lobby by the Christmas tree. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings.
Fees: $32 Adults, $20 Children 12 and under. Res Suggest
Contact: (850) 926-0700
WAKULLA WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
Date: Friday-Saturday, Mar 19-20 Times vary depending upon Festival activities
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Wakulla Springs State Park will be the hub of activities designed to educate, inspire and empower positive change by connecting individuals with their environment and heritage. Fine art, music, living history demonstrations, informative presenters and exhibitors, dynamic educational shows and guided tours will seek to connect participants with the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Guided tours are available at a cost; advance registration is highly recommended since tours often fill to capacity well in advance of Festival dates. The 2010 Festival will highlight the 75th anniversary of the Florida Park Service.
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived for participants. A $6.00 donation to the Friends of Wakulla Springs to help with the event's expenses will be extremely appreciated.
Contact: (850) 561-7286

Participation Requirements

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