edward ball wakulla springs state park

This is the second time we've taken a ranger-led boat tour at Wakulla Springs and both have been excellent for watching and photographing wildlife. Lots of alligators in the area as well as waterfowl and wading birds. Manatees in the winter months. This is a must-see if you're in northern Florida. Obviously try to be here in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light but check the boat schedules first. Try to get on one of the electric boats if possible.Access to the spring and river is really only possible by boat, the trails do not come close to the water.

The springs have a small beach area roped off for swimming and snorkeling and water clarity was very good the day we were there. The historic lodge looked nice as well although we opted not to stay...The best part of the park was definitely the abundance and diversity of large trees. There is a 6 mile trail, not in a loop, through bottomland forest. We only made it 2 miles in before turning back. It was amazing to not encounter any invasive flora-it's such a problem where I hike back home. The beech trees were the largest I've seen in FL. Just awesome! The only caveat being the aggressive, tiny ticks. So go- It's a beautiful hike, but beware.

This is such a great place to go if you're in the Tallahassee area. The lodge has great history and the grounds are amazing. The boat ride is a must and it is very inexpensive. Though we didn't get to see any manatees, we saw birds and tons of alligators basking in the sun. We ate at the restaurant afterwards and the food was absolutely amazing.

We had heard about the boat ride and wanted to give it a try. The rest of the park was ordinary -- there was a moderately fancy lodge there with dining -- but the boat trip was superb. It was a covered pontoon boat with *electric* propulsion, so it was *quiet*. The guide -- a retired English professor -- was quite good and took is on an hour-long trip a mile or so down the riiver and then back up past the landing and back. There was a real variety of wildlife -- many, many birds, turtles, alligators.The rive was placid and beautiful. And it was *cheap* -- we've paid many times as much money for much worse tours. Very recommended.

We stumbled upon this state park on accident. We had no idea what was in store. The springs in the park attract manatees, at least in the winter. The park has a very inexpensive boat tour around the springs and river. There is an abundance of birds, alligators, turtles, and most importantly, MANATEES. We liked it so much we took the tour 4 times in 2 days. We also stayed in the lodge this trip, on Christmas day no less, and really enjoyed it. Dated decor and no T.V., but not one of our 3 kids complained. We'll go again.

We just finish our hour-long tour and it was spectacular. We saw a manatee, alligators, turtles and a plethora of wild birds. it was amazing!The best part about the boat ride was it only cost eight dollars per person! I highly recommend visiting this state park if you're in the area. Even if you're not in the area, you may want to give it a try.

We had on Christmas day a wonderful boat tour with a knowledgeable retired professor in this enchanted river landscape. Saw and learned a lot about birds, manatees, gators, Spanish Moss etc. The trail is also through beautiful landscape, party boardwalks and easy. The Christmas we will always remember as very very special.

If you are reading this review, save yourself some time. Stop right here, and head for Wakulla Springs State Park, AND TAKE THE BOAT RIDE. And amazing natural wonder, and a chance to see what Florida was like 500 years ago.

Totally enjoyable day filled with walking, fruit picnic (which we had brought with us), sitting on the tower and watching the beautiful day passing by, the manatee surfacing and hearing the alligators howling and growling a long spell...(fascinating)...and interacting with other visitors who were also visiting that gorgeous day. We did not do the cruise (saving that for the next time I visit with my son) nor overnight at the lodge which I also plan to do soon, though I did have lunch at the restaurant which I have reviewed separately and was excellent....I would say this is a wonderful spot for a day trip or overnight that doesn't break the bank and yet is memorable, relaxing, informative, well managed, quiet (during the week and off season), and over all one of the highlights of my trip to Tallahassee area. About an hour out of town south...well worth the time and effort. Delightful!

Wakulla Springs is a very nice park. There is an old lodge and several nice trails and lots of tables for picnicking. On this trip, our main objective was to go on the boat ride. They had several boats, including some with glass-bottoms which go out when the spring is very clear. Our guide on the boat was entertaining and very knowledgeable. He pointed out all the different birds and other animals. In mid November, when we were there, we saw lots of manatees and alligators, one of which we inadvertently got quite close to! The ride lasts about 40 minutes and moves slowly thru the springs. The boats have a center aisle with bench seats on each side. People sit 3 across. It is much better if you are the person who is closest to the water. Admission to the park is $6 per car and $8 per person for the boat. Well worth it when we were there. Manatees gather in the springs when it is cold so sightings are not always guaranteed.

I highly recommend the boat ride down the Wakulla River operated by the park rangers. Our guide was extremely familiar with all the wildlife we saw, was able to point out otherwise obscure creatures, had a fun sense of humor and was patient with our questions. It was well worth the cost of the ticket. We saw lots of alligators and several manatees, a first for us, as well as lots of water fowl and other migratory birds.

We have been to this state park a couple of times before. We had come in the summer when the outside temperature was in the nineties ,and the spring was invigorating @ 69 degrees to say the least. The spring was beautiful then and, even more so in the Fall. We had been at St Marks wildlife refuge when the ranger told us that manatee had been seen at the spring. We went primarily for the guided boat ride to see the wildlife along the river but had to wait for the next tour. We walked around the Spring Which is the largest of it's kind in the world producing enough water to form a large river. There is a diving platform directly over the spring which can be used year round as the temperature of the spring varies only 1/4 a degree at any time.( A hardy sole was diving at the time of our visit.) It is surrounded by the park on one side and forest on the other which is loaded with wildlife.Our Trip started and the volunteer explained that the boats are all solar electric,., and perfectly safe for all wildlife above and below the water, they are also the only craft of any kind allowed within 5 miles of the spring. We saw a large number of birds ,turtles fish, and also alligators every few yards. The trip was approx. 2 miles and took over an hour thanks to our hilarious guide Capt. Dan. At the turn around point we finally saw what we came for, A Manatee. These animals only come in during the colder months, especially around Christmas. On our way back we saw a mother Manatee and a baby. I was told by the ranger at St Marks that as many as 200 had been seen on the river in recent years. This beautiful park can be an all day destination or just a couple of hours. and well worth the trip.

I have been to Wakulla Springs several times. In a word, this place is enchanting. The lodge, though dated, it beautiful. I have never stayed there. The spring? Be prepared to be blown away. Beautiful, almost primeval. Literally, it could be 100 million years ago. The park offers swimming. The water has a pretty strong current and is cold, which is great in the summer. Sometimes, the Manatees come up into the spring and swim alongside you, very cool. There is a diving platform also. They also offer a boat ride tour down the river. It is well worth it. We saw plenty of wildlife, birds, turtles, alligators, and manatees. They aren't offering glass bottom boat rides due to the water being dark down in the spring. This place is crowded during the summer as most of the locals swim here. There is a good restaurant in the lodge, and bathroom and changing buildings nearby free to use. They only charge by the carload so for about $5, a family of four can swim. Do NOT drive by this place.

boat rides swimming and nature trails enough to keep you busy all day. several movies were filmed here and there is plenty of historic stuff to keep you busy. be sure to eat at the restaurant they have the best fried green tomatoes and southern fried chicken. state park fee for entry but it worth it

This beautiful slice of north Florida is a must see when you are in the Tallahassee area. The river boat trip is the highlight experience here. You are guaranteed to see manatees, alligators and a wide variety of birdlife all in a beautiful semi-tropical setting. Staff is well trained and friendly and the park is nicely managed. Highly recommended