The Lodge at Wakulla Springs - Wakulla Springs, Florida

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs: A Premier Florida Destination

For discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Florida’s natural beauty, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs presents a truly remarkable destination. Located at 550 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327, and easily accessible via phone at 8504212000, or through their website at thelodgeatwakullasprings.com, this historic lodge seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comfort. It’s a place where guests can immerse themselves in the splendor of Wakulla Springs State Park while enjoying exceptional service and a wide array of amenities.

A Legacy of Hospitality

The Lodge boasts a rich history, having served as a popular retreat for visitors since the early 20th century. Initially built to cater to the needs of anglers and nature enthusiasts, it has evolved into a full-service destination catering to a diverse clientele. The lodge’s design reflects its heritage, incorporating classic Florida architecture with touches of elegance. The surrounding grounds are meticulously maintained, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Specialties and Services

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs specializes in providing a comprehensive range of services, primarily focused on lodge accommodations, and notably, offering a sophisticated wedding service and a stunning wedding venue. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, each thoughtfully appointed with comfortable furnishings and modern conveniences. Beyond the lodging itself, the lodge operates a highly regarded restaurant, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and imaginative menu. The restaurant offers both casual and fine dining options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Furthermore, the lodge provides guided tours of Wakulla Springs, allowing guests to explore the park’s abundant wildlife and pristine waters. Specialized fishing excursions are also available, catering to both seasoned anglers and beginners alike.

Dining Experiences – A Culinary Highlight

The restaurant at The Lodge is frequently lauded for its quality and ambiance. Several reviews detail the deliciousness of the food, highlighting dishes such as the “all you can eat blackened shrimp,” described as “fresh and seasoned perfectly.” The “smashed red potatoes and collards” are also consistently mentioned as favorites. A standout recommendation is the “signature ginger yip cheesecake,” a must-try dessert that consistently earns rave reviews. The lodge offers a daily specials menu, providing guests with opportunities to sample seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary creations. The restaurant also provides a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. The ability to enjoy local beers complements the dining experience, offering a taste of Florida’s craft brewing scene. Prices are generally considered reasonable, particularly considering the quality of the food and the overall experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Lodge’s location within Wakulla Springs State Park is a key advantage. Guests have immediate access to the park’s renowned springs, offering unparalleled opportunities for swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. Wakulla Springs is approximately a 90-minute drive from Tallahassee, Florida, making it an accessible destination for travelers from across the state. The lodge is well-maintained and offers convenient parking facilities.

Guest Feedback and Reputation

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs enjoys a consistently positive reputation, as evidenced by its impressive average opinion of 4.6/5 based on 1233 reviews on Google My Business. Guests consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, the quality of the food, and the overall ambiance of the lodge. Many reviewers emphasize the convenience of being located within the state park, allowing for easy access to outdoor activities. The lodge’s historical significance and charming atmosphere also contribute to its appeal.

Recommended Information for Visitors

• Reservations: It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season.
• Dining: Explore the restaurant's menu and daily specials before your visit.
• Activities: Plan your activities within Wakulla Springs State Park in advance. Guided tours and fishing excursions can be booked through the lodge.
• Accommodation: Select your room type based on your needs and preferences.
• Accessibility: Contact the lodge directly to inquire about accessibility features.

In conclusion, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and exceptional hospitality. It’s a destination that consistently exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

👍 Reviews of The Lodge at Wakulla Springs

Jonnie B.

5/5

Reservations for six in the dining hall and we were seated on time as we arrived!! The waitress was friendly and answered any questions we had! She also took our photo upon request. The food was delicious!! I had the all you can eat blackened shrimp and they were fresh and seasoned perfectly!! The smashed red potatoes and collards were also delicious! Also enjoyed two of the local beers!! Prices were reasonable with daily specials!! The signature ginger yip cheesecake was a MUST TRY!!

Brian S.

4/5

I enjoyed the boat rides twice. Lots of wildlife to see, and the rangers point out many interesting creators. The hotel was great and the food was excellent. The water is dark, with no possible way to see the main spring. No kayaking in the park. You must stay in the swimming area. Nice walking trails. Nice playground. Fyi, no tv, bring a book.

T C.

We visited for the day as a family. The 1 hour boatride is a wonderful treat and very inexpensive. We saw lots of manatees, gators, birds, turtles, and on this visit saw my very first barred owl in the wild. What an amazing and beautiful sight to behold! We also walked on the trails. And treated ourselves to a tasty well-prepared and reasonably priced meal in the timeless charming restaurant. I love the ambiance and old time feel of this place! I subtracted a star for 2 reasons: the once crystal clear waters have been allowed to be polluted over the years by lax environmental regulations so there was quite a bit of nasty looking algae and brown water, which was disappointing to see. Also when we went to lunch, our party of 3 was seated at a tiny table for 2 that didn't have enough room for all the food we ordered and was set within a foot of another table of guests (much too close for comfort), when there were several empty 4-tops available. I guess they were saving those tables for more important guests who were running late for their reservations. (No one was ever seated at those empty tables during the hour and a half we spent there.)

William T.

5/5

Excellent , staff was tremendous , especially Kasey , Tanner , Cristy And Trish. Breakfast , lunch and Dinner was perfect - quantity too much to finish. Colin Johnson Boat tour guide and Troubadour of the springs was great. Room was nice , elevator (antique soon to be replaced ). Was interesting. Wildlife outside dining room windows. Nice and quiet ( no TV , didn't miss for four days. ) hard to find entrance but finally made it.

D C.

Lovely Lodge that makes you feel like you stepped back in time. The peaceful setting on the river is especially welcome. And a dip in the Wakulla Springs a must. Water is surprisingly cold and refreshing. Ribeye steak at the Lodge restaurant was outstanding. I only wish they had more outdoor seating.

Sonja S.

The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is a great place to visit. A visit to the snack bar before heading out for the boat ride was a fun way to start our visit. Unfortunately it was a wet rainy day but Captain Carter was an enthusiastic guide who educated us on the spring fed river, flora, and wildlife of the park. It was fun to see where Hollywood had come to use the park to film movies. |The swimming area floating dock and beach area would be wonderful on a warmer day! ||The grounds are well maintained and main entry to the historic lodge is beautiful and as you enter the artistic ceilings are amazing. |We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the lodge before heading out. |We will definitely return for another visit! Nature never fails to amaze and entertain us.

Midwesterner007

This place is always great. So quiet and cozy. The lodge was lovely as always and a perfect place to get away and de-stress with no TVs but wifi so you can watch your own screen if you want.||||Although the dining room was booked up for dinner, they did a to go order for a bee charmer salad, which was good. The next day I found the sandwich at the soda fountain pretty tasty as well.||||The river tour was amazing as always with just a ton of manatees, alligators and resident birds who were mere feet away from the boat. The Anhinga were out fishing in the early AM. Our guide was especially sharp and funny, I wish I caught his name but he knew who Bauhaus was, so kudos. During the trip, he cut the engine so we could listen to the birds and animals in the wild and that was perfect.||||If I had a week to spare I'd be here.

J M.

5/5

Did a bike ride on their cruiser bikes. Thank you Dan for helping us with getting our rental bikes. He was very friendly and polite. Rick, with guest services was also helpful and friendly. He did all the beautiful wooden furniture restoration. Saw manatees in the spring there. Food was delicious. Rooms clean and quaint. Loved this place for a romantic weekend get away.