A Quiet Getaway at Wakulla Springs State Park 

By Diane M. Loeffler

 

If you would like to get away for a few days, but don’t want to have to travel far, Wakulla Springs State Park may be the place for you. The park is located south of Tallahassee, about a five-hour drive from Sun City Center.

The main feature of the park is a spring that is the source of the Wakulla River. If you are warm-blooded enough to enjoy swimming in 69-degree water, you can wade into the water or jump from the first or second level of the diving platform. For the rest of us, the most pleasant way to enjoy the springs is to take an hour-long boat tour on the river.

The dockside ranger station opens at 9:30 a.m. for anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket. The hour-long boat tours run from 9:40 to 5 p.m. The 9:40 tour is the best if you want to see birds, turtles, alligators and other creatures at their most active time. On cooler days, manatees can be easily seen through the surprisingly clear water. Happily, the boats are usually not very full at 9:40 a.m., so you can move around for the best views.

Thanks to the Friends of Wakulla Springs, two of the tour boats are powered by electric motors. Those two boats have rooftop solar panels to charge the batteries. The ride is very quiet allowing you to hear the songs of the birds.

If you like to walk, there are walkways all around the lodge. At the lodge front desk you can pick up a map of the six mile (one way) Sally Ward Trail and the nine-tenths of a mile Hammock Spur Trail. Some sections of the trail are raised wooden walkways. However, most of the path is on uneven ground with lots of exposed roots.

If you wish to do more walking, you may wish to drive to the Wakulla Forest Trail or the trails in St. Mark’s State Wildlife Reserve. While there, you can visit St. Mark’s Lighthouse and Visitor’s Center.

Want to stay at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs? This charming building was constructed in 1937 and is on the register of Historic Hotels. Once you step inside, you will see a lovely fireplace and various seating areas around the huge lobby. If you are there between 4 and 7 p.m. on most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you will also be treated to a pianist performing.

When admiring all of the artistic touches, be sure to look down at the marble floors and up at the 16-foot-tall ceiling. The cypress ceiling is adorned with paintings by Mr. Piplack, a man who was also the last court painter for Kaiser Wilhelm.

A large dining area with windows overlooking the park and the springs is located to the left of the lobby.  On the opposite end of the building is a combination souvenir shop and soda parlor. There you will see the world’s longest known marble countertop. It measures seventy feet and three inches.

The marble continues in the twenty-seven guest rooms on the second floor.  Rooms sleep two to six people. There is also a library and game room on the second floor. However, be warned. There are no televisions.

The second floor can be accessed by taking the oldest operating elevator in the state, an 80-year-old elevator with walnut walls. If you wish, you can take the 30 marble stairs instead. The stairs are not as steep as most steps, have railings on both sides and include three landings.

The front desk greeters will give you a pamphlet detailing the history of the park and the lodge. Financier Edward Ball first saw the land in 1920. He said, “I knew then that the area had to be preserved but I didn’t know exactly how at the time.” He bought the area with the springs and surrounding land from several dozen landowners.

The busiest times are weekends, spring and summer. You will want to make reservations in advance. You can make them by going to the website “thelodgeatwakullasprings.com” or by calling 855.632.4559.

Wakulla Springs State Park is located at 550 Wakulla Park Drive, Crawfordville, Florida 32358.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

APRIL 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

APRIL 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… The first part of the SCC Long Range Plan goes to a vote, have a great time at FunFest, marvel at beautiful Stained Glass Art, catch up with SCC softball, see What’s Blooming at Leu Gardens, enjoy a delicious visit to the...

March 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

March 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Join the Weavers celebrating Distaff Day, get the latest from the LRPC, SAVE THE DATE for FunFest on March 9, meet the new SCCCA Activities Director, explore the Florida State Fair, fly with some eagles, meet a writer imparting...

February 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

February 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Learn how Tampa General is fighting against human trafficking, put fins up with the Landsharks, see the new Historical Marker, enjoy Coffee and Communication, celebrate a Good Life with Walter, visit Yellowstone in the spring,...

January 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

January 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Celebrate holiday fun in SCC, learn what the LRPC has planned for the new building project, meet the new CA Board members, get to know DOGs and turtles, skate with Disney on Ice, meet South Shore Authors, savor Ruskin seafood,...

December 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

December 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Explore Christmas decorations in SCC, check out the National Lawn Bowling Tournament, meet friends at “Hi, Neighbor!”, read the detailed LRPC Report, commemorate Veterans Day, visit Jurassic Park, beware of scammers, find out why...

November 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

November 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

Discover what the Long Range Planning Committee is working on, find out how folks cruise around SCC, hear from the candidates for CA Board of Directors, ring bells with DAR, support local kids, laugh with the Pelican Players, travel to…

October 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

October 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Save the date for “Hi, Neighbor!”, cruise over to the SouthShore Sportsplex, see why a grant was awarded to the Boys & Girls Club, discover why an SCC woman took TOPS honors, meet an Angel on Earth, enjoy a Dramedy on Aging,...

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

September 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Have some Pool Party fun, celebrate with the History Society, register for the Active Life Games, see why local volunteers rock, go Trail Blazing, learn why a local fire chief received a lifetime honor, support Adaptive Sports,...

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

August 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Relive the fun of the Pancake Breakfast and the Pool Party, make some Community and Family Connections, see how local Sew’n Sews are helping our community, get Shell Craftin’, celebrate the music of Bob Dylan with the Pickers,...

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

July 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Enjoy the artistry of some local green thumbs, be sure not to miss the July 4th Breakfast and Family Fun Day, explore the art of Quilling (not Quilting), take a Smooth Ride down Del Webb, hear about Master Plans, high five some...

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

May 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Learn about the Moffitt Cancer Center kickoff, get an update on the Waterset Sports Complex, improve your green thumb with the Tillers and Toilers and the Elegant Gardeners, sail with the Cygnet Yacht Club, save the date for the...

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

April 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Explore the myriad of opportunities in the community through FunFest, marvel at the wonders created for the Stained Glass Show, swashbuckle with the History Society, save the date for shredding day, catch up with the Long Range...

March 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

March 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Check out FunFest on March 11 and Sun ‘n Fun on March 28, find out about the latest scams on March 9, stroll the Bluebird Trail, thank Claudia Hinson for years of outstanding service to the community, learn about Seniors in...

February 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

February 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Meet the new SCCCA board, enjoy amazing images created by Photo Club members, celebrate 60 years of SCC, jam with the Kings Point Music Makers, grab your calendars to fill with February festivals… Enjoy a Casual, Comfortable...

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow

Virgin Atlantic Starts Service to London Heathrow By Kai Rambow Travel is back! Virgin Atlantic just started service between Tampa and London Heathrow.  It’s a first. Yes, there is British Airways, but their flight is to London Gatwick.  As...

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

January 2023 NEWS is HOT off the PRESS!

In this issue… Discover why bird lovers flocked to Community Hall, save the date for the Volunteer Picnic on February 15; cruise with the Holiday Cart Parade, see how folks celebrated Christmas in Wimauma, enjoy the Shrine Christmas party, hang...