Edward Ball Wakulla Springs

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Ball_Wakulla_Springs_State_Park Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is located in Wakulla County, Florida. The wildlife sanctuary has three nature trail systems which lead the visitor through pine forests, bald cypress wetlands and hardwood hammock. Hikers, bicyclists and horse riders are welcome. The wildlife found in the forest includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and many other bird species, while American alligators, bass, gar, various snakes, and West Indian manatee (during the winter) populate the springs, swamps, and river. The park contains Wakulla Springs, one of the world's largest and deepest first-order freshwater springs and an exit point of the Floridan Aquifer.

EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE Humans have occupied the Wakulla Springs area for nearly 15,000 years. It is thought Wakulla means “river of the crying bird” or “strange and mysterious waters.” Archaeological evidence shows intermittent habitation from Paleo-Indian times through the time of European contact in 1513. Later periods are also represented, particularly the Spanish Mission, Creek and Seminole. Edward Ball purchased the property in 1934 and developed it as an attraction focusing on the preservation of wildlife and the surrounding habitat. The Wakulla Springs Lodge, completed in 1937, is an excellent example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. The Wakulla River is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including alligators. These animals reside in an area protected from human intrusion and may be dangerous. Swim in the designated area only. 465 Wakulla Park Drive Wakulla Springs, FL 32327 850-561-7276 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating and ground fires are not allowed in the park. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida state parks. • Swimming is limited to the designated swimming area at the Wakulla Spring. • Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas at the lodge only. • To become a volunteer, please call 850-561-7281. • Recreational scuba diving is permitted in some designated sinkhole areas. • Florida state parks are committed to providing equal access for all visitors to facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the waterfront visitor center at 850-561-7278. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK One of the largest and deepest springs in the world Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Wakulla Springs State Park is a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary quietly hidden in Spanish-moss draped Florida woodlands, 30 minutes south of Tallahassee. The heart of the park is the world-famous Wakulla Spring. Its 69-degree Fahrenheit water flows from the majestic spring to create the Wakulla River. Sally Ward Spring Tower Sp rin gR un Sally Ward Trail 1 Park Boundary Sa lly W ar d Wakulla Springs 2 la Hammock Spur Trail 3 Ri ve r The elegant, two-story Lodge at Wakulla Springs was created by Florida business tycoon Edward Ball and opened in 1937. Grandeur and a historic past add to the lodge’s allure. The spacious lobby with large fireplace and marble-topped checker tables leads out to a glass-enclosed terrace with splendid views of the spring. Most impressive, though, is the ceiling stenciled and painted with local wildlife scenes and European folk art designs. The dining room, overlooking the spring, provides elegantly prepared food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gift items, light lunches and ice cream treats can be purchased in the soda fountain/gift shop at one of the world’s longest marble counters. For reservations and information about the hotel, restaurant and gift shop, please call 850-421-2000 or visit www.thelodgeatwakullasprings.com. Entrance to the Park ul Bridges Administration Building Cherokee Sink Trail Head Separate Parking Pa rk Bo un 6 5 da ry Lodge ck Ro ad No direct connection to Springs Park Cross walk Cherokee Sink Sinkholes N W E 4 Ro The nature trails, which lead through southern hardwood forests and maple-cypress habitats, provide easy to moderate hiking along a 0.9 mile loop trail or 6 mile linear trail. Several state and national champion trees (the largest for their species) mingle with other forest giants. A bridge over the Sally Ward Spring Run provides access to the upland hardwood forest on the north side of the Wakulla River. October through March are the best months to enjoy the trails. From Tallahassee, go 16 miles south on State Road 61. Then take State Road 267 east. Continue a few hundred feet to the park entrance on the right. ak W The park’s Waterfront Visitor Center is where tickets on world-class wildlife viewing tours can be purchased. The River Boat Tours run 365 days a year, weather permitting. The 45- to 55-minute cruise opens a window into the lives of alligators, native birds, turtles and often, manatees. The tour concludes by drifting over the bowl of Wakulla Spring, one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. The jump from the dive/ observation tower into the refreshing w

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c