Testimonials for Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
- We went to the park yesterday and it was great. We were not able to do the glass bottom boat because the water was too darh about 65-70 feet down, but we did go on the river boat tour and it was incredible. We saw a variety of birds, turtles, and fish. We got to see about 15 alligators and we even got to see a manatee. After our 1 hour boat tour (it was suppose to be 45 minutes, but because we saw a manatee, our guide let us stay out a little longer), we went for a refreshing dip in the spring water on the 95 degree day. It was a cool 69 degrees in the water and the water was crystal clear. A few of us even took the plunge off the top deck of the double-decker dock. The day at the Wakulla spring was fantastic and now we are thinking about getting an annual pass so we can enjoy not only this park again, but all the parks in our great state of Florida.
We highly recommend this spot. It has everything and it is only 15 minutes from the Gulf and 20 minutes from Tallahassee. We appreciate everyone's kindness and expertise while at the park. we hope everyone will enjoy this park as much as we did!
Brent & Andrea Meyer - Tallahassee, Florida - My husband and I spent two glorious nights in the Wakulla Lodge (room overlooking the spring). The accomodations were comfortable and everyone was very hospitable. We thoroughly enjoyed the River Cruise and were there at a perfect time of year (Early May 07) to see several birds nests and young ducklings. I think we saw about 20 gators in all.
The Park is beautiful and the spring was so clear we had a marvelous time. We will certainly be back as soon as we can to explore more wonders of Wakulla Springs.
We ran out and got Creature from the Black Lagoon after our trip and watched it (Wakulla being one of the filming locations).
Aggie & Andy Armstrong
Apopka, Florida
Agnes Armstrong - Apopka, Fl - The fog over the springs Monday Morning Jan, 28th made for an interesting view, the occaisonal sound of the Moorhen and splash of a jumping Mullet were hidden in the mist. This was the final morning at the Lodge, and a great one.
After breakfast we walked the trails and saw several Pileated Woodpeckers working a tree. Just nearby we caught a glimpse of a Kinglet, a real small glimpse. We checked out of our room, hung out on the diving platform and watched it all unfold. Manatee, River Gar, Turtles, and the jumping Mullet in the water. Egrets, Ibis, Buzzards, a whole bunch of ducks, and an Osprey above the surface. The Anhinga and Cormorants were enjoying the best of both.
We took the Noon boat trip on the river, it too lasted a little longer with all the activity that afternoon. At least 8 Manatee, All of the regular birds and several types of Heron including the elusive Golden Crowned Night Heron were pointed out by the guide. what a great afternoon. We even took a picture of a racoon in a tree,
We started and ended our trip at the Lodge, with a few stops along the panhandle in between. The hospitality of the staff, the feeling of a step back in time, especially in the elevator, was great. We enjoyed the Getaway Special that included Dinner in the Ball Room restaurant.
Thank you everyone for making this trip great.
Ken Langlois - Danvers, MA - We only spent one night at the lodge but it was great. Arrived in the afternoon and and had a lazy day wandering around and listening to the birds as the sun went down. Dinner at the lodge was very good. I was quite surprised and with the quality of the food. The next morning we woke up and took the first boat tour and saw alot of wildlife including a couple manatee. The lodge was great and yes the elevator makes the stay worth it by itself.
Michael Meeks - Orlando, FL - I just got back from a two day trip (August 12-13, 2009) to Tallahasse with three 10 year olds to tour the State Capitol, The Tallahassee Museum and FSU. Rather than stay in a hotel, we stayed at the Wakulla Springs Lodge and had a great time. The room had two queen beds which were VERY comfortable and a nice sized, clean bathroom all surrounded in marble with a large tub. There is no TV, so we brought games and played cards. We ate dinner in the dining room and had a really good ribeye steak and prime rib. The beds were so comfortable, we didn't want to get up the next morning. We ate a wonderful breakfast (huge!) and then took the first river boat tour at 9:40 a.m. We saw 21 alligators and the driver was a really nice lady name Patti who can spot even the best camoflauged gator! The kids were thrilled. The water was a bit chilly -68 degrees so we passed on the swimming, but it did look fun. Everyone was very friendly and the girls enjoyed the large gift shop.
Anne Winjum - Destin, FL - We visited the park for the first time August 29th and are so glad we did. We took the boat tour and saw TWO pods of manatees!! What an experience! The ranger, Bill, who operated the boat was most gracious and informative....and was so willing to let us see the manatees up close and snap pictures. The whole area is gorgeous and we hope will be protected from "progress". We then had another pleasant surprise by going into that gorgeous lodge where we ate a delicious lunch in the most elegant but comfortable 1937 dining room. The grilled grouper was to die for.
Marlyn Flannery - Metairie, Louisiana
