Wakulla Springs,Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

## Overview Wakulla Springs is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, located within Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla County, Florida. Classified as a first-magnitude spring — meaning it discharges at least 100 cubic feet of water per second — Wakulla Springs serves as a major point of exposure for the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifer systems on Earth. The spring emerges from Wakulla Cave, a vast branching underwater cave system that has formed beneath the Woodville Karst Plain in north Florida. The cave system is one of the longest and deepest explored underwater caves in the United States, attracting scientific research and expert cave divers from around the world. The spring basin has been measured at depths exceeding 180 feet, and on clear days, visitors can see straight down to the cave entrance below. Wakulla Springs is the headwater of the Wakulla River, which flows approximately 9 miles (14 km) to the southeast before joining the St. Marks River. From that confluence, the St. Marks River travels only about 5 miles (8 km) before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachee Bay. The area surrounding the spring has a long human history. Archaeological evidence suggests that Paleo-Indians inhabited the region thousands of years ago, and mastodon bones have been discovered in the spring basin. The spring and surrounding land were purchased by financier Edward Ball in the 1930s, and the iconic Mediterranean Revival-style lodge was built in 1937. The park became a Florida State Park in 1986 and was designated a National Natural Landmark. The spring and its lush, wildlife-rich surroundings also served as a filming location for several classic movies, including multiple "Tarzan" films and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954). While Wakulla Springs has historically been used as a freshwater source and swimming area, visitors should note that water quality can vary due to natural and environmental factors. The spring water has been reported to be remarkably clear and refreshing, though conditions may change seasonally. ## Directions 1. From Tallahassee, head south on State Road 61 (Crawfordville Highway) toward Crawfordville. 2. After approximately 10 miles, turn left (east) onto State Road 267 (Wakulla Springs Road). 3. Follow Wakulla Springs Road for about 5 miles. 4. The entrance to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park will be on your right at **550 Wakulla Park Drive, Crawfordville, FL 32327**. 5. After entering the park gate (a per-vehicle entrance fee applies), follow the park road to the main parking area near the lodge and spring. **GPS Coordinates:** 30.234151, -84.301886 ## What to Expect Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park offers a well-maintained, family-friendly environment centered around the massive spring. The spring pool is open for swimming during designated hours and seasons, and the water temperature remains a relatively constant cool temperature year-round — typical of Florida's first-magnitude springs (around 68–70°F / 20–21°C). One of the park's signature experiences is the glass-bottom boat tour, which glides over the spring basin and down the Wakulla River. On clear days, the boat tour offers stunning views of the underwater cave entrance, aquatic plants, and fish far below the surface. Wildlife boat tours along the river frequently reveal sightings of manatees, alligators, turtles, and a wide variety of wading and diving birds. The park also features nature trails through old-growth cypress and hardwood forest, picnic areas, and the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge, which offers overnight accommodations and a full-service restaurant. The lodge's lobby features original marble floors, hand-painted ceiling beams, and period furnishings from the 1930s. Visitors should be aware that swimming access may be restricted during periods of high water or low visibility. The park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee. Diving in the spring is not permitted to the general public; access to the underwater cave system is restricted to permitted scientific and exploration teams. The spring's flow rate and clarity can vary seasonally, influenced by rainfall and aquifer conditions. Peak clarity is often reported during drier months. The park is open daily year-round, though hours may vary by season.