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1937
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs, Florida
550 Wakulla Springs Drive, Wakulla Springs, Florida 32327
Original Property Opened in 1937
Historic Hotels of America member since 2016
gardens
ghosts
memorabilia
movies
tours
Surrounded by 6,000 acres of pristine forest, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is North Florida’s castle. Built in 1937 by industrialist Edward Ball, this historic hotel in Florida is not only one of the most beautiful buildings of its period but also one of the few where guests can stay overnight. Located in the middle of Wakulla Springs State Park, The Lodge’s 27 guestrooms overlook one of the country’s largest springs. Whether enjoying fine dining in the Edward Ball Dining Room or cooling off with an ice cream at the world’s longest marble soda fountain, The Lodge’s beauty surrounds its guests. Nature, history, and comfort can all be found at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs.
Discover
- Discover the grand façade of North Florida’s castle, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Named for the natural landmark park encompassing 6,000 acres of forest and one of the country’s largest springs, this historic hotel is only one of the few places that guests can stay overnight in the park. This fantastic destination is also one of the most beautiful buildings from Florida’s Golden Age.
- Discover the Grand Lobby of The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, which features heart cypress, an ornate hand-painted ceiling, a fireplace, and a marble and iron staircase with three massive marble landings, as well as live music.
- Discover the historic accommodations of The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Located on the second floor of the Lodge, climb the grand marble staircase or ride the most historic Art Deco elevator in the South to reach the charming accommodations, which feature vintage bathtubs and giant closets.
Explore
- Explore the Tallahassee Museum, a 52-acre lakeside site set among flora and fauna that is an iconic Tallahassee landmark. Walk among the museum’s living exhibits and wander nature trails and native gardens. Uncover Florida's 19th and early 20th century histories by visiting the historical buildings on Big Bend Farm and in the Old Florida compound.
- Explore Mission San Luis de Apalachee, a Spanish Franciscan mission built in 1633 within the capital of the Apalachee Province. This living history museum features art and artifacts. Be sure to also explore the nearby park.
- Explore the Railroad Square Art District, which encompasses approximately 10 acres in downtown Tallahassee in the former historic warehouse area. Explore the artisan shops, galleries, cafés, and brewery, as well as the sculpture garden located just inside the entrance.
Experience
- Experience the sights from atop the nearby diving tower, just like the Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller once did years ago. The springs are warm enough to swim in all year round, weather permitting.
- Experience a Jungle Cruise and uncover the environment, wildlife, and history of Wakulla Springs, and become inspired by the setting of the early Tarzan films.
- Experience a hike along the Wakulla Springs Trail. Walk across the boardwalk, which connects two karst features in the limestone bedrock, and follow the water that becomes Wakulla Springs.
Taste
- Savor a classic float or sundae at the Lodge’s Soda Fountain, which features the world’s longest marble soda fountain counter. Look around and see Old Joe the Alligator, who was poached from the springs, as well as a cast of the head of the Creature from the Black Lagoon, as the underwater scenes were filmed at Wakulla Springs.
- Enjoy a drink at the Post Office, the former site of the first post office in Wakulla County and the main bar at The Lodge. This nostalgic bar features some of the original post office equipment, including cancellation stamps and a postal scale.
- Taste the best in Southern cuisine in The Edward Ball Dining Room, the signature restaurant of The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. This historic dining room is named in honor of financier Edward Ball, whose ideas and concepts led the construction of The Lodge.
