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The Lodge at Wakula Springs
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a stunning 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival landmark located inside Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, about 15 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida.
The lodge was built by Edward Ball, a powerful Florida businessman and conservationist who acquired the property in 1934. Ball envisioned a grand retreat that would showcase the natural beauty of the springs while offering guests a refined and timeless experience.
He spared no expense in its construction, and his commitment to quality and elegance is evident throughout every detail of the building.
Stepping inside the lobby, guests are transported to another era. A rare Art Deco elevator, marble staircases, and elaborately painted ceilings speak to the craftsmanship and artistry of the period.
The world-famous Wakulla Springs, one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, sits just outside, with boat tours available when temperatures are above 40°F.
Room Types
- One Double, One Twin Guestroom (Sleeps 3 people with 1 double bed, and one twin bed)
- Two Double Beds Guestroom ( Sleeps 4 people with two double beds)
- Two Double Beds Spring View Guestroom (Sleeps 6 people with two double beds, a sleeper sofa, and a view of the springs)
- Two Double Spring View ADA Guestroom (Sleeps 4 people with two double beds and a view of the springs.)
- One Queen Bed Guestroom (Sleeps two people with one Queen Bed.)
- One Queen Bed Spring View Room (Sleeps two people with one Queen Bed and a view of the springs.)
- One Queen Spring View Jesse DuPont Suite (Sleeps four people with one Queen bed, one sleeper sofa, and a view of the springs.)
- Two Queen Beds Spring View Guestroom (Sleeps six people, two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, and a view of the springs. 0
- One King Bed Guestroom (Sleeps two people with one King bed.)
- One King Ed Ball Suite (Sleeps four people, one King bed, and a sleeper sofa.)
Room Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Complimentary Water Bottles
- Toiletries
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Complimentary coffee 6am-9am
- Free entry into park
- Air Conditioning
- Safe
- Free parking
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM
- Gift Shop
- BBQ Grill
- Elevator (currently being repaired)
- Fireplace in lobby
Check Wakulla Springs Lodge Availability
My Experience staying in room #38 at Wakulla Springs Lodge
This lodge was breathtaking from the moment we arrived. The grounds and outside of the building are well maintained and inviting. As soon as we walked in, I could tell that we were in for a treat as the ceilings feature 13-foot Cypress Beams with painted murals that included Florida wildlife, European folk art and Arabic scroll work.
We checked in so that we could drop our bags off and check out more of this lodge. We stayed in room #38 (All rooms are on the second floor) which had one double and one twin bed. The bed was actually quite comfortable, had a large closet, cozy and nice restroom.
We were meeting some friends and went to dinner at the Edward Ball Dining Room. I had the shrimp dinner and loved the blackened shrimp. Everyone else enjoyed their dinner and cocktails before hanging out the rest of the evening in the lobby with its oversized furniture and just chatching up. We spend several hours just catching up before retitring for the evening.
Several of us woke upearly for a morning hike before breakfast. One was all full of energy and couldn't wait to go for a swim. Most of us relaxed outside listening to the birds and enjoying the sun of an early spring day.
We had also booked a boat tour that departed from behind the lodge. I have to admit, this was a highlight of our trip! It was a relaxing trip and we saw lots of wildlife including alligators, Common Gallinules, Hooded Mergansers, White Ibis, American Coots, Green Herons, and more! I have to admit, my inner bird nerd was so happy!
After the boat trip, it was time to say our goodbyes.
I had one last thing to do before we left. The lodge has an old time soda fountain and I knew that I could not leave without trying!
I oredered an All-American sandwich that included ham and provolone on sourdough with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. What I really came for was the Cherry Phosphate, a classic soda fountain drink consisting of cherry syrup, carbinated water, and a few dashes of acid phosphate for a sour, sharp flavor. Phosphates are considered a precursor to modern sodas. I love the natural taste of the phosphate sodas that taste better than todays sodas that taste more like artifical flavors.
We had so much fun at the lodge, we are already talking about going back in the fall when the manatees show up in the springs!
To learn more about this incredible lodge, check out this fully illustrated history book with full color pictures of the lodge.
Art and Marble in a Florida Swamp: A New Deal for Wakulla
By Madeleine Hirsiger-Carr
Reserve Your Room at Wakulla Springs Lodge Before it Fills Up
Dining Options
Edward Ball Dining Room
The Edward Ball Dining Room is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM and captures the unhurried spirit of Old Florida. Sunlit windows overlook the springs, old-fashioned music plays softly in the background, and the menu leans into classic Southern comfort food done well.
Signature dishes include ribeye and filet steaks, smoked fish dip, and fried green tomatoes, with pecan pie rounding out dessert. Weekly specials include Fried Shrimp Fridays and Burger Tuesdays. A cocktail, beer, and wine list is also available.
Soda Parlor & Gift Shop
The Soda Parlor & Spring Shop offers a nostalgic soda fountain experience alongside a gift shop, making it the perfect stop for a sweet treat or a souvenir after a morning on the springs.
Book The Wakulla Springs Lodge Now
Practical Information
Reservations - Book The Lodge at Wakulla Springs here.
Hotel Address
550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, FL 32327
Check-in Time - 3:00 PM
Check-Out Time - 11:00 AM
Pets - Service Animals Only
Smoking - This is a non-smoking facility
Parking - Free self-parking next to the hotel.
Distance from nearby airports:
- Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) -15 miles north
- Panama City, Florids (ECP) - 90 miles
Things to do at Wakulla Springs State Park
The Spring
Wakulla Springs is one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, pumping hundreds of millions of gallons of crystal-clear, 68°F water daily. Visibility in the water can extend up to 100+ feet, revealing an otherworldly underwater landscape. The spring feeds the Wakulla River, which flows through the park.
Wildlife
The park is a haven for wildlife watchers:
- Manatees regularly visit the spring, especially in cooler months
- American alligators are abundant throughout the river
- Limpkins, herons, egrets, anhingas, and ospreys are commonly spotted
- Hundreds of bird species make it a birding hotspot
Activities
- 🏊 Swimming in the spring (seasonal)
- 🚢 Glass-bottom boat tours where you can see directly into the spring's depths
- 🐊 Jungle boat cruises along the Wakulla River
- 🥾 Hiking trails through old-growth forest
- 🏨 The historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs (built in 1937) is still operating within the park
History & Hollywood
The park has a fascinating cultural history. The springs were used as a filming location for classic movies including Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) and the original Tarzan films. Mammoth and mastodon bones have also been discovered in the spring's depths.
Tips
- Swimming is only allowed in designated areas
- Arrive early on weekends, especially in summer, as the park fills up fast
- Boat tours are extremely popular; book ahead if possible
- The lodge's restaurant is worth a visit for its old Florida charm
It's a genuinely magical place. The combination of massive, impossibly clear water, abundant wildlife, and old-growth cypress forest makes it feel like stepping back in time.
Book The Wakulla Springs Lodge Before It Fills
Best Wakulla Springs State Park Tours & Activities
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park: Historic Riverboat Tour
⭐️ Highly Rated by Visitors | ⏳ Tour Length: 45-55 minutes | 🚣 Check Rates and Availability
This is the signature experience at Wakulla Springs, a ranger-led cruise down the Wakulla River through ancient cypress swamps where you can spot alligators, manatees, herons, turtles, and more. The park's own guides bring the history to life, from mastodon bones to Hollywood films shot on location (Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarzan). Open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Reserve in advance, as tours fill up fast, especially on weekends.
🐊 Nearby Tours: North Florida & Gulf Coast Nature Experiences
Crystal River Small-Group Manatee & Wildlife Cruise ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (500+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | 🚗 Check Rates and Availability
A relaxed, small-group riverboat safari through Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, about 2 hours south of Wakulla Springs. Spot manatees, birds, and other wildlife from a covered pontoon with live narration from a knowledgeable captain. Maximum 16 passengers keeps it intimate. A perfect add-on if you're spending a few days exploring North Florida's freshwater springs country.
Crystal River Guided Swim with the Manatees ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (2,400+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚗 Check Rates and Availability
Wakulla Springs is one of the best places in the state to see manatees. Crystal River is the only place in the world where you can swim with them. This well-reviewed tour takes small groups out on a Coast Guard-certified vessel to snorkel alongside West Indian manatees in their natural habitat. Wetsuit, gear, and an in-water photographer are included. Likely to sell out, so book ahead.
Crystal River Best Small-Group Guided Manatee Swim Tour ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (900+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🚗 Check Rates and Availability
A highly rated private-style manatee swim limited to just 6 guests, making it one of the most intimate options available on Viator. Guides capture photos and video during your swim, included in the tour price. Reviewers consistently rave about the knowledgeable guides and up-close manatee encounters, including calves. Great for families and first-timers.
Alternative Lodging Options if Wakulla Springs Lodge is Booked
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Best Western Wakulla Inn & Suites - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Best Western Wakulla Inn & Suites in Crawfordville offers 57 spacious rooms with premium bedding, 60-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and separate sitting areas, plus suites with jetted tubs for extra comfort after exploring the Gulf Coast. Start each day with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet featuring waffles, French toast, and gourmet coffee before heading out to nearby Wakulla Springs State Park, St. George Island, or St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The property features an outdoor pool, fitness center, free high-speed WiFi, and helpful staff.
⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - Wildwood Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Wildwood Inn sits just 30 minutes south of Tallahassee in the heart of Wakulla County, offering Old Florida hospitality with 71 comfortable rooms featuring modern amenities, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and complimentary continental breakfast. After exploring nearby Wakulla Springs State Park or St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, relax by the outdoor pool, on-site dining, play tennis or golf on-site, or enjoy the peaceful charm of this garden-surrounded property.
Click this link or the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Wakulla Springs State Park
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Additional Articles to help planning your trip to Wakulls Springs
- St Marks National Wildlife Refuge
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
- St Andrews State Park
Check out all of the Florida National Parks, along with National Parks in Georgia and Alabama National Parks
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