Return visit to Wakulla Springs
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑳𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒏 ... for Ginger's birthday we decided to return to Wakulla Springs (one of the world's largest fresh water springs) and Lodge. This time we toured the 'back channel' of the springs where the original 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' and 'Tarzan' movies were filmed. We love the Old Florida 'feel', the natural beauty of the area, the trails, and staying in the 1920's Lodge. Of course we will check out the historical sites in St Marks, Crawfordville and more.
"The invigorating 70 degree waters are sure to refresh you on even the hottest summer days. The historic lodge is an elegant remnant of old Florida, and the ancient cypress swamps made the perfect backdrop for old Hollywood movies.
Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps and wildlife when they decided to film Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) here." Source: Florida State Parks
Notes ...
As Ginger and I travel, we enjoy finding alternate routes to our destinations especially through the Panhandle. We always seem to reflect on the how surprised we are to see so many different sites and historical locations as we travel. On our past travels heading west through the Panhandle, we have seen markers for Wakulla State Park ... but never took the time to see what it was about. Then about in mid 2021 we said "let's try it!" .
Pulling into the State Park, passing the ranger's hut, we came to an 1920's lodge looking like we envisioned was old Florida, beautifully situated in the park and surrounded by wooded forests. We talked to several staff at the Lodge and learned the 'spring' is the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. Not having planned for an overnight, we did return to Wakulla for an overnight and explore the quaint towns around the area with friends. Wakulla is on our 'top 10' list for photographic destinations, and we plan to return again.
Photo Ops:
- Early morning mist and Vulture meetings at springs (near beach)
- Interior Lodge, main room, old elevator, Lodge exterior at night
- Wakulla Springs boat tour
- Hiking trails
- Wakulla Historic District (more like the surrounding areas St Marks, Sopchoppy, Crawfordville)
Note:
As all 'facts' shared on the web, conclusions like first, oldest, largest boils down to 'depends'. For example Pensacola IS the oldest town in Florida (still controversial), while St Augustine is the oldest 'continuously occupied' ... so they both are the oldest. Based selected criteria such as: gallons of spring water, acreage, depth, etc., Wakulla Springs can be the 'largest' fresh water spring but truly is 'one of .."
Resources:
Wiki ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Ball_Wakulla_Springs_State_Park
Wakulla State Park ... www.floridastateparks.org/WakullaSprings
Worth Exploring ... www.floridarambler.com/big-bend-getaways/wakulla-springs-state-park/