Fun Is In Our Nature
On Saturday, January 18, 2020, the annual Wakulla County Arbor Day celebration will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Hudson Park in Crawfordville. Learn more about why Arbor Day is so important for the environment, and how you can get the most out of your visit.
Calling all adventurers, nature lovers, and curiosity seekers! Head out to the Visitor’s Center at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and connect with nature in new and exciting ways. From 11 am until 4 pm, enjoy diverse activities, demonstrations, and exhibits as part of the family-friendly St. Marks NWR Wildlife Heritage & Outdoor Festival.
Winter may not be the first time of year that pops into your head when you think about planning a trip to Florida. However, thanks to the moderate weather here in Wakulla County, the winter season opens up many opportunities for adventure. From exciting local festivals to relaxing outdoor activities, here are just a few of the top ways to spend winter in Wakulla County.
Do you ever notice that your family is more “plugged in” than they used to be? Do you ever feel like the time that you, your spouse, or your kids spend on electronic devices might be time better spent with each other, connecting and building family bonds?
Wakulla County is rightly celebrated for its natural experiences, but its plethora of historical places may be just as impressive. Learn about some of the most notable places where you can explore Wakulla history.
Explore the distant and not so distant past of the Florida panhandle at Fort San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
Wakulla County has played a crucial role in every phase of North American history, and it’s all on display here at Fort San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. Browse the American Indian artifacts that were discovered on this very site. Walkthrough the original fort structure that was constructed by Spanish colonists during the age of exploration. And, learn about the strategic importance of the fort during the Civil War. Once you leave, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the many people who have called Wakulla County home.
Learn about the importance of transportation on the Tallahassee—St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail
During the golden age of the railroad, Wakulla County was a vital transportation corridor for the country, as cotton and other agricultural products from the south made their long journey to the industrial north. The Tallahassee—St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail is a section of the former rail line that has now been converted to a 16-mile mixed-use biking and walking path through the dense forest of northern Florida. Enjoy a leisurely trip through this beautiful area, and stop to read the plaques that detail some of the history of the railroad lines in the region.
See Wakulla County’s impact on pop culture at Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs State Park is known as a haven for wildlife watchers, but it also has its own historical significance to discover. Here, you can paddle a canoe down the same waters where American Indians once explored the wondrous natural world around them. For more recent history, you can see the spots where some classic movies were filmed, including Tarzan’s Secret Treasure and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Also, don’t forget to visit the Wakulla Springs Lodge, which still showcases much of its original 1930s architecture and furnishings.
Take in the historic beauty of the St. Marks Lighthouse
The St. Makes Lighthouse has been standing on the shores of the Apalachee Bay since 1831, and its beauty still radiates on the horizon to this day. Seeing the lighthouse up close and in person is the perfect way to connect yourself to Wakulla County’s rich and varied history.
There is so much history to explore in Wakulla County that you’ll definitely want to take your time to get to everything. Visit our accommodations page today to learn how you can start planning your ultimate Wakulla historical vacation, and get ready to immerse yourself in a place where history and nature are uniquely tied together.
Wakulla County may not be a typical winter wonderland, but we still have plenty of ways for you to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate with family, friends, and neighbors.
Kick-off the season by the bay at Christmas in Panacea
It all starts at 4:00 PM on Saturday, December 7 in downtown Panacea, where there will be fantastic live entertainment, real snow for kids to play in, and plenty of other fun ways things to see including a large bounce house and many local vendors. You definitely have to stick around for the annual parade which begins at 6:30 because it’s where you really see the community come together in celebration. A festive variety of floats and boats will make their way down Highway 98, and many of the stores and local businesses will also be decorated to the nines to show off their holiday spirit.
The St. Marks Christmas Jubilee
This event will take place on Saturday, December 7 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and there will be a variety of jolly activities for you to observe and participate in. The golf cart parade is sure to be a hit, as locals dress their carts in twinkling lights and beautiful tinsel and show them off to the crowd. You can don your favorite ugly sweater and participate in the ugly sweater contest, and take the kids to meet the big guy in the red suit. Throughout the night, enjoy holiday treats such as cookies and hot cider, and delight in classic seasonal music.
Enjoy a day of festive fun at Christmas in Sopchoppy
Starting bright and early at 9:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, you and your loved ones can come to charming downtown Sopchoppy to gather with locals and guests to celebrate the season in style. Treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks from local vendors, and find a special Christmas gift for someone while looking through the holiday merchandise on display form fantastic area artisans and craftspeople. And tell the kids not to worry, because Santa Claus is rumored to be making an appearance as well!
Wrap up the celebrations at Christmas in the Park
Finally, the annual Christmas in the Park festival organized by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office is all about celebrating our children and giving back to the community. It kicks off at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 14 and runs until 8:00, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the various games, activities, and entertainment. Once again, Santa will be taking some time out of his busy schedule to listen to kids’ wish lists and take some photos.
This Christmas season, why not celebrate the holidays in a place where a tight-knit community comes together again and again? Start planning your Wakulla County holiday season getaway right now, and make plans to join us for all the incredible festivities.
The 2019 edition of the St. Marks Stone Crab Festival is almost here! This year’s edition will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the quaint fishing village of St. Marks. If you’re a seafood fanatic, or if you just love spending a beautiful fall day having fun with your family and friends, then this is a must-see event!
A Story by Wakulla Native Donald Morrow
At St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, first light was at 7:06 this morning. I had already been birding for over an hour and was about three-quarters of a mile down Tram Road, listening to Barred and Great Horned Owls calling from the far side of a sawgrass marsh. Morning birds were starting; a pair of Carolina Wrens, the mewing of Catbirds from several directions and the harsh “chrr” call of a Brown Thrasher.
Read More about Bird Watching at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Every autumn when the skies turn orange, we know it’s time for the annual Monarch Butterfly Festival! This is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Wakulla County. This year’s edition will be held at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, October 26 from 10 AM to 4 PM.
