Fun Is In Our Nature
Myron B. Hodge City Park in Sopchoppy is a favorite spot for both relaxation and adventure along the scenic Sopchoppy River. Birders can enjoy sightings of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors that frequent the riverbanks and surrounding woods, while hikers and bikers can make use of peaceful trails shaded by towering trees. The park also features a boat ramp, making it easy to launch a kayak, canoe, or small boat for a day of paddling and fishing on the calm waters.
Originally constructed in 1948, the Old Wakulla County Jail is a concrete and stucco building in the Art Deco style, planned and built by the same team that built the nearby Courthouse. It served as the county jail until the early 70s, at which point a new jail was built.
Today, you can tour the building on Thursday and Friday from 10am -4pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Admission is free to see the jailer’s family quarters and other artifacts from local history.
The building is now home to the Wakulla County Historical Society.
At Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea, you begin to get a better sense of what’s really out there. On a quiet back street between the highway and the bay, we house a collection of sea water tanks and aquariums. Water bubbles and flows in a swirl that sustains unique collections of the bizarre and the beautiful. Unlike most big public aquariums that emphasize porpoises and big fish, we focus on creatures such as seahorses and hermit crabs, emerald-eyed spiny box fish, electric rays and red and white spotted calico crabs – just a few of the the endless living treasures of north Florida’s still shining coast.
Certain tanks are “touch tanks” and are wildly popular with younger visitors. When you purchase your ticket to the aquarium, you will be informed on which tanks are touch tanks.
The Old Wakulla County Courthouse was constructed in 1894 in Crawfordville, Florida. This building served as the primary courthouse for Wakulla County until 1948, when the current courthouse was constructed. This wooden building served as the Wakulla County Courthouse, Wakulla County Public Library, and now serves as the Chamber of Commerce office building.
When you visit the Historic Courthouse, one of the first things you will notice is a mullet weathervane. Court records show that in the late 1800’s Wakulla County Judge R. Don McLeod ruled a mullet is not a fish, but rather a bird due to having a gizzard. In addition to the unique weathervane, this is one of the only wooden courthouse structures remaining in the State of Florida. Visiting the Wakulla County Historic Courthouse will take you back in time to the early years of Wakulla County and Florida history.
The historic Sopchoppy Depot was built around 1891. Originally, the Depot was part of the Carrabelle, Tallahassee & Georgia Railroad Company, which was then absorbed by Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad, often referred to fondly as the “Gopher, Frog & Alligator.” The line first started running in 1893 and operated until 1946. The Sopchoppy Depot was once a busy railroad hub for both passengers and freight.
The train crossed over the Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee Rivers and traveled through the thick swamps and piney forests of Franklin County before emerging into the open air of the coast. Final destination was the Lanark Inn, a grand hotel boasting a casino, dining, a dance pavilion on the beach, a swimming pool constructed around a sulfur spring, and two large bathhouses for ladies and gentlemen, respectively. The historic Sopchoppy Depot is the only remaining depot still standing in Florida on the GF&A. It was beautifully restored in 2010 and now serves as a museum with historical exhibits and a collection of old photographs, memorabilia and recovered artifacts.
Discover endless ways to explore the outdoors at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Birding enthusiasts can spot everything from migrating waterfowl to rare raptors along some of the best viewing areas on the Gulf Coast. Anglers will find prime spots to cast for redfish, trout, and bass, while paddlers can slip into winding creeks and calm bays for an up-close look at the refuge’s natural beauty. Miles of trails invite hikers and bikers to explore salt marshes, pine forests, and coastal vistas—each turn offering a new adventure. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo, a trophy catch, or simply a day surrounded by nature, St. Marks delivers an unforgettable experience.
No visit is complete without stopping at the iconic St. Marks Lighthouse, one of Florida’s oldest and most photographed lighthouses. Standing tall since 1831, the lighthouse offers history, charm, and breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. Visitors can explore the grounds, take photos of the striking structure, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the refuge’s marshes and waterways—a perfect complement to the outdoor adventures waiting just beyond the shore.
