Wakulla Spring

Wakulla Spring is a giant freshwater spring located in the Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, in the Florida "Panhandle" near Tallahassee.

Its waters come from an aquifer in Georgia, emerging from an underground cave system.

Though little known, Wakulla Spring is a natural wonder, one of the largest and deepest fresh water springs in the world. The natural pool above the spring is exceptionally clear; the bowl is approx. three acres across.

Many different kinds of birds can be seen around the spring. Visitors will see alligators on the river boat tour, and maybe turtles too.

Also in the wildlife department: ancient mastodon bones are visible at the bottom of the spring. Remains of other extinct Ice Age mammals have also been found.

Nowadays the Tallahassee Film Society organizes a "Creaturefest" every fall. Some of the actors from the old movie usuall attend. For info, visit www.creaturefest.com or call the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 628-2866.

• the Lodge is old, so go with history in mind, not amenities
• access to the river is tour-boats only

• see links at right for visitor info
• human history dates back 12,000 years
• check visitor comments at TripAdvisor.com (-just enter "Wakulla Springs" in the searchbox)

This brief profile is meant to introduce this destination to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check web sites for updates.