Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park has a storied history, as well as some unique features marking it as a destination of interest.

Located about a 20 minute drive south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs is the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring. Emitting a flow of 200 to 300 million gallons of water per day at a constant 70 degrees, Wakulla Springs is the source of the Wakulla River, which flows about 9 miles before joining the St. Mark's River and ultimately flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The springs area has a shallow wading beach, a jumping platform and observation deck, and floating platforms that swimmers can climb onto. 

Elsewhere in the park, a daily River Boat Tour allows visitors the opportunity to see some of the wildlife in and along the Wakulla River, including alligators, manatees, snapping turtles, bald eagles, river otters and osprey. There is a small fee for boat tours.

There are picnic tables, hiking trails, a playground, archaeological exhibits, and some scenic benches set beneath the live oak trees facing the river inside the park grounds. A historical Spanish-style lodge, built under the ownership of Edward Ball in the 1930s, sits on the grounds and offers guests the opportunity to stay overnight inside the park. 

Of note are films such as several of the early "Tarzan" films as well as "Creature From The Black Lagoon," which were filmed in part on the property.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. There is a $6 per vehicle admission fee. Complete information can be found at the park's website, or by calling 850.561.7276.