St. Marks Wildlife Refuge - A seven mile drive winds it way from the visitor center through fresh and brackish water impoundments and ends at the foot of the Apalachee Bay, near the historic St. Marks Lighthouse. Boat ramps, nature trails and a picnic area are located within this unit. Uplands forests, forested swamps, fresh & brackish water marshes and a pristine salt water estuary ecosystem compose this unique area of Florida's Gulf Coast, making the St. Marks Unit a favorite for birders and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Click here for a link to events at the Refuge. Federal entrance fees are in effect. For more information on St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge write Refuge Manager, P.O. Box 68, St. Marks, FL 32355. Phone: (850) 925-6121 or email us at: saintmarks@fws.gov.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park - The history of this National Landmark began in 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez arrived in the area with 300 men; however, the first fort was not built until 1679. Andrew Jackson occupied the fort for a brief time in the early 1800s. The museum at the park displays pottery and tools unearthed near the original fort and explains the history of the San Marcos site. A selfguided trail is open to visitors. Open 9:00 a.m.5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Located in St. Marks, off State Road 363, on Old Fort Road. For Information about San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, please call 850-925-6216. Photo Courtesy of Florida State Parks
Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail - The Tallahassee/St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail runs from Florida’s capital city, past the Apalachicola National Forest, and ends in the coastal community of St. Marks. Through the early 1900’s, this historic railroad corridor was used to carry cotton from the plantation belt to the coast for shipment to textile mills in England and New England. Today, as a paved trail, it provides an excellent workout for street bikers, walkers and skaters. It also provides opportunities for horseback riding on the adjacent unpaved trail, and access to the Munson Hills Off Road Trails in the National Forest. St. Marks offers seafood, fishing or San Marcos Apalache Historic State Park to top off your journey. Tallahassee-St. Marks State Trail, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. MS 795, Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850-245-2052
Wakulla River Canoe Trail - The Wakulla River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This short canoe trail takes you on a scenic, relaxing trip down the Wakulla River. It is an easy half-day trip. The clear, spring-fed river is wide, almost straight, and lined with cypress trees. Wildlife is abundant. Anhinga, cormorant, osprey, limpkin, gallinule, vulture, and many wading birds can be seen on the river, along with turtles and alligators. Notes and Precautions - The slow current makes paddling upstream easy for a round trip if you do not want to shuttle. You can continue downstream from the US 98 bridge two miles to the town of St. Marks where the San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Siteis located. Take out at St. Marks City Park or paddle up the St. Marks River to take out at the county boat ramp at Newport. Watch out for motor boats on the lower section. The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is located above the put-in point. Canoeing is not permitted within the park.
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park - Natural Bridge is the site of the second largest Civil War battle in Florida and where the St. Marks River drops into a sinkhole and flows underground for one-quarter of a mile before reemerging. During the final weeks of the Civil War, a Union flotilla landed at Apalachee Bay, planning to capture Fort Ward (San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park) and march north to the state capital. With a timely warning, volunteers from the Tallahassee area-Confederate soldiers, old men, and young boys-met the Union forces at Natural Bridge and successfully repelled three major attacks. The Union troops were forced to retreat to the coast and Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital east of the Mississippi not captured by the Union. A reenactment of the battle is held at the park every March. Located on Natural Bridge Road, six miles east of Woodville, off State Road 363. For Information about Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 850-922-6007. Photo Courtesy of Florida State Parks
Shields Marina is a freshwater anchorage, just 20 miles south of Tallahassee, Florida at the end of state road 361. We offer a full service marina with fuel and supplies, wet and dry storage, transient boat slips, marine engine and hull repairs, new and used boat sales and out-fitting. Visit us today and enjoy the beauty of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers, the old Spanish fort of San Marcos, and sample local seafood at our nearby restaurants. Visit us at 95 Riverside Drive, St. Marks, Florida 32355. Phone: (850)925-6158. Fax: (850)925-6828. E-mail: shieldsmarina@comcast.net
Shell Island Fish Camp is located 18 miles south of Tallahassee on State Road 363 in the quaint fishing village of St. Marks. For the past 35 years, it has been owned and operated by the Hobbs family. We have the best speckled trout fishing the State of Florida has to offer, as well as Spanish mackerel, blue fish cobia, rock bass, and red fish. Your favorite seafood is also available at local restaurants. If you want to talk fishing, give us a call at (850) 925-6226.
The Sweet Magnolia Inn Bed & Breakfast - Only 20 minutes south of Tallahassee you’ll find the peaceful little fishing village of St. Marks, Florida. The Sweet Magnolia opened in 1996, but it’s roots go back to 1923 when it was built to serve as a rooming house. Small and intimate, The Sweet Magnolia has seven bedrooms, each with a unique decor and private bath, and five of the seven have Jacuzzis for two. You may visit us at 803 Port Leon Drive, Saint Marks, FL 32355. Reservations taken by phone 8am-8pm ET daily. An inflated rate will be quoted to those that call and wake the innkeeper. Local Phone: (850) 925-7670. Toll-Free: 1-(800) 779-5214. Fax Number: (850) 925-0569. Email: thesweetmagnolia@comcast.net
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs StatePark- Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this park plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 and is open year-round. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee on State Road 267 at the intersection with State Road 61. For information about Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, please call 850-224-5950. Photo Courtesy of Florida State Parks
The Florida Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest - The Florida Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest is certified as Florida National Scenic Trail. The entire length of the trail in the National Forest is also designated as part of the Florida Statewide Greenways and Trails System. This portion of the Florida Trail offers some of the most remote hiking areas available in the Florida. For more information on the Florida Trail or FTA, visit their website at www.florida-trail.org.
