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Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 30 to enjoy a relaxing early evening cruise on the beautiful Wakulla River, followed by a delectable dinner buffet in the historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs.

A magnet for millions, the Lodge at Wakulla Springs is hosting a special tour of the property on Thursday, October 14 at 6 p.m. Meet our rangers in the Lodge lobby to see the beauty of “North Florida’s castle.” The Lodge features Mediterranean Revival Architecture and hints of art deco detail throughout its walls, making it one of the most beautiful buildings of its period. While the inside is sure to take your breath away, the landscape will blow you away too. Surrounded by 6,000 acres of pristine forest and overlooking one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs, the Lodge is an elegant place to spend your evening.

Make sure to secure a dinner reservation following your tour at the Edward Ball Dining Room. As an exclusive offer, ask your tour leader for a coupon that will grant you a free featured appetizer with your dinner purchase. Enjoy an array of southern specialties featuring the highest-quality cuts of meat, seafood, and seasonal farm-to-table creations. Your dining experience will be made even more special by a view of the Springs right from your table.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to tour the beautiful Lodge at Wakulla Springs. It truly provides a glimpse into Florida’s elegant past. Come meet up with our park rangers to take your tour Thursday, October 14 at 6 p.m., and don’t forget the Lodge’s unique dining experience after your tour! Reservations are required, so make sure to call (850)-421-2000 or (855)-632-4559 to make yours today.

To help the Florida Department of Environmental Protection continue offering their award-winning visitor experiences and maintain pristine outdoor retreats, the state park system will implement changes to its fee schedule for camping, cabin reservations, and related utility fees beginning on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

Entry fees for Florida’s state parks and trails will remain the same, but changes will be made for utility fees collected from day campers. These fees are currently collected from daytime visitors who take advantage of park utilities, but this will also be extended to those staying in cabins and overnight campsites who use electric and water.

Park fees are collected into the State Park Trust Fund and appropriated to support park operations and maintenance. They cover any increased utility costs, as well as repairs and improvements made to the park utility systems.

The new fee schedule is as follows.

Reservation Fee: $6.70
Non-refundable reservation fee per reservation for reservations online or using the call center; fee collected at the time of reservation; reservation fees do not apply to primitive sites. (No change in fee.)

Cancellation Fee: $17.75
Cancellation fee assessed for each reservation cancelled; visitors canceling on the day of arrival assessed a cancellation fee and the first night’s use fee. (No change in fee.)

Transfer Fee: $10
Visitors charged a transfer fee when making reservation change. (No change in fee.)

Utility Fee: $7
Non-registered, day-use sites per unit per day, all campsites with electric and water service and all cabins. Does not apply to primitive tent sites or to sites that do not use electric.

For more information, view the original press release here.

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.

Read More about Mark Your Calendars For The St. Marks National Wildlife Heritage And 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.

Read More about Winter Guide Highlights

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

The biannual Wildflower Walk is a favorite among wildflower aficionados and those who just enjoy a pleasant nature walk. This year’s fall edition is taking place on September 28 at 9:00 AM at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Read More about Wakulla Wildflower Walk 2019

Seeing as it’s home to one of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems in North America, it shouldn’t be any surprise that Wakulla County is a paradise when it comes to freshwater fishing. The St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, which were important supply routes throughout the early history of the southeastern United States, remain healthy and vibrant today. Small streams are also common in the lush forests in Wakulla County, and it wouldn’t be Florida without an abundance of calm lakes to fish on.

The freshwaters of Wakulla County make perfect fishing for novices and seasoned professionals alike. Whether you want to take the whole family out on the lake for a day of fun, or you prefer to experience the majestic beauty of the landscape by spending some alone time in a quiet stream, there’s a waterway to suit your tastes. Of course, Wakulla County’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means there is fantastic saltwater fishing available as well, but that will have to wait for another time.

There are numerous angling outfitters in the area who are able to supply you with everything you need to have a memorable fishing experience, and you can even charter a guide if you’d like some assistance from a local expert. So grab your gear and don’t forget your fishing license, because it’s time to cast a line in the beautiful waters of Wakulla County!

Lake Fishing

It’s easy to understand why lake fishing is so popular among Americans. The calm, predictable waters and variety of aquatic life create an opportunity for success regardless of your skill level. It’s a great way to relax, since you can comfortably enjoy some refreshments in your boat and pick the rod back up whenever the urge strikes you, but the Lakes of Wakulla County also present some serious fishing challenges. The largemouth bass, commonly found in lakes throughout Florida, is the state’s official freshwater fish. Even if you don’t have a boat, there are many lakes where you can fish directly from the shore. Some hotspots for lake fishing in Wakulla County include:

• Otter Lake
• Wood Lake
• Mack Lake Landing

River Fishing

Not only are the county’s rivers teeming with several different species of fish, floating down the river while admiring the vibrant ecosystem around you makes for a unique and contemplative experience. In the rivers of the Florida panhandle, you’re likely to find bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and sunfish, depending upon the spawning season. There are several areas where you can launch your boat into one of Wakulla County’s river, many of which are adjacent to historical sites, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. Some of the ramps you can check out are:

• St. Marks River City Park
• Wakulla River Lower Bridge Ramp
• Newport Ramp

Stream Fishing

When you really want to get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in a natural environment, nothing beats casting a line in a small stream. Stream fishing is also a great way to test your angling skills, since the better you understand the movement of the waters and the behavior of the fish, the more successful you’ll be. There are a variety of small streams in Wakulla County for you to fish, but be sure to explore the sprawling woodlands of the Apalachicola National Forest.

The anniversary of the founding of our nation calls for a special event, and Wakulla County pulls out all the stops at the annual Sopchoppy 4th of July celebration! Learn more about this important tradition, and get ready to display your pride in your country in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Wish America a happy birthday with a patriotic parade

The spectacular Sopchoppy 4th of July parade is one of the most anticipated parts of the festival. There’s no better way to get in the patriotic spirit than by watching the best floats and entertainment the area has to offer roll through downtown. The parade is officially known as the “Bill Stephens 4th of July Americana Parade,” named in honor of the man who founded the 4th of July celebration and was instrumental in civic engagement throughout the town. All the fun and festivities kick off at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 4, so make sure to get there early and grab a great spot to watch the citizens and visitors of Wakulla County pay tribute to this great country.

Celebrate with food, family, fun, and fireworks all July 4th long

The end of the parade just means you have the rest of the day to gather with others in beautiful Myron B. Hodge City Park and keep the holiday celebration going! Wear your finest red, white, and blue, enjoy the live entertainment throughout the day. Be sure to check out the outstanding selection of local vendors offering food, beverages, and USA-themed arts and crafts for you to take home. When the hot July sun finally goes down, there will be a fireworks spectacular to honor America. Get yourself a seat near the banks of the beautiful Sopchoppy River and watch as the pyrotechnics light up the summer sky.

Explore the beauty of America in Wakulla County

America is a land that celebrates its people, its ideals, and its institutions, but the geographical diversity and ecological richness are also key aspects of this country’s identity. Those elements are on full display in Wakulla County, which is home to everything from dense forests teeming with woodland creatures to marshlands that support a massive marine ecosystem. As you celebrate this nation’s independence in Sopchoppy, consider taking some time to explore our natural areas and see more of America’s beauty. Visit our accommodations page to get started planning your unique Wakulla County adventure, and embark on a summer vacation that will bring you closer than ever to the natural beauty of the USA.

Download the Summer Guide

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