Groundbreaking for New Visitor Center at Wakulla Springs State Park

New Visitor Center at Wakulla Springs State Park Breaks Ground

WAKULLA SPRINGS, Fla. – In a move to enhance visitor experience, Florida State Parks has initiated the construction of a new visitor center at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. The state-of-the-art facility is set to offer a deeper understanding of the park’s unique ecological and historical significance while accommodating the increasing number of visitors.

The upcoming center aims to expand its offerings with additional meeting spaces, interpretive exhibits, and educational programs. Its design will complement the existing Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture of the park’s Lodge. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, the center promises to be a modern addition to the park’s infrastructure.

“This new visitor center will give more people the chance to experience Wakulla Springs’ natural beauty and rich cultural history in a modern, engaging way,” stated Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She emphasized that such projects bolster local communities by attracting tourists and supporting regional businesses, while highlighting why Florida State Parks are deemed the best in the nation.

Wakulla Springs, often referred to as the “Gem of Northwest Florida,” is renowned for its status as one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs globally. It houses a variety of wildlife and an extensive network of underwater caves, attracting both tourists and filmmakers. Notably, classic films like The Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan’s Secret Treasure have been shot at this scenic location.

Florida State Parks have garnered national acclaim, receiving the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management four times. They also play a pivotal role in the state’s economy, having attracted over 28 million visitors last fiscal year and contributing an estimated $3.6 billion statewide. Ongoing investments in park facilities and visitor amenities are crucial to maintaining the parks’ high standards and preserving their natural allure.

New visitor center at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Conceptual interior with educational and exhibit spaces.