I’ve spent two years in Florida, and as I prepare to finally leave, I have to say I will miss the crazy legends coming out of this place. As my last farewell (so dramatic), we’ll be talking about one of the weirdest Florida legends I’ve come across yet, so we’re ending on a bang.
Only about an hour and a half outside of Orlando where I lived, I never made much of an effort to make it out to Tallahassee. From what I’ve heard from locals, there’s not much to really see, but judging by this story, there’s at least some interesting legends to explore if you’re brave enough.
This particular story is apparently known as one of the great “pioneer legends” of Florida,and seems like it could be one of the first tin-foil hat theories to come out of the state, which is pretty cool, I think.
As the capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is old, old, meaning that a lot of stories come out of this place. With being inhabited by the Apalachee Native Americans for thousands of years, serving as the capital of the Confederate state during the Civil War, and so much else, Tallahassee has been busy. It is also home to some surprisingly cool features, such as clear water pools and special wildlife, making it a popular tourist destination.
One particular spring is located in Wakulla County, Florida, only a short 14-mile trip outside of Tallahassee. What’s special about Wakulla Springs is that it’s one of the largest and deepest in the world, with a depth of over 300 feet and a flow of more than 1 million gallons of water per minute.
Wow!
Another fun fact, Wakulla Springs was used in movies such as “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure” and "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Wakulla Springs is not only open today, but widely available to the public. It’s also the source of one super weird legend: The Wakulla Volcano.
The "Wakulla Volcano Legend" is a local Tallahassee legend or myth that has been passed down through generations.
According to legend, there was a volcano in the Wakulla Springs area. The volcano was said to have erupted and caused the formation of the underground cave system that can be found in the area today.
However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of a volcano in the Wakulla Springs area or any volcanic activity in the region. The caves are actually formed by the dissolution of limestone over millions of years.
The legend of the Wakulla Volcano may be an interesting story to hear, but it should be taken as a folk tale rather than historical fact.
Noted.
If you’re still interested in visiting Wakulla Springs, the admission fees for Wakulla Springs State Park varies depending on the activities and services you choose to enjoy. Here are some of the current fees for visitors:
- Entrance fee: $4 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers in vehicles.
- Boat tours: $8 for adults, $5 for children aged 3-12 years old, and free for children under 3 years old.
- Swimming: $6 per person.
- Snorkeling: $8 per person.
- Guided River Boat Tour: $25 per person.
It's important to note that these prices are subject to change, and there may be additional fees for other activities or services at the park. You can visit the official website of Wakulla Springs State Park or contact them directly for more detailed information about prices and availability.
Sounds like a fun trip to me when I come back for a visit. My only question is: Who’s coming with me?
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