CRAWFORDVILLE, FLORIDA

Crawfordville is a small unincorporated town in North Central Florida on US-319, known locally as Crawfordville Highway, about 18 miles south of Tallahassee. 

Old Wakulla County Courthouse
Wikipedia, Calvin Beale

It has a population of about 5,000 and is the county seat of Wakulla County, which has a population of about 35,000.

Crawfordville began as the riverside town of Port Leon situated on the eastern side of the St. Marks River, not far from the present day town of St. Marks near the Gulf of Mexico.

In 1843, a devastating hurricane and tidal flooding destroyed the town and shipping port, requiring moving of the county seat.

To be more centrally located as the county seat, the town was moved in 1892 to its current location.  It is named for Senator John L. Crawford.

Senator Crawford was a doctor, a member of the Florida legislature, and a Florida Secretary of State.

Crawfordville has some of the typical Florida small town businesses such as Dollar General, Subway, Hardees, Sonic Drive-In, AutoZone, CVS and more.

They also have an urgent care center, several churches, and more importantly, they still have small town local merchants.

Modern Wakulla County Courthouse

The modern Wakulla County Courthouse was built in 1949 and still looks great. 

The nearby Old Wakulla County Courthouse was built in 1894 and is constructed of solid heart pine with a cupola that is enhanced by a distinct cypress weathervane hand-carved in the shape of a mullet.

The mullet was a commercial fish important in the history of Wakulla County.

The courthouse is listed in the United States National Register of Historic Places and is believed to be the only wooden courthouse still in use. Its use today is a Wakulla County library.

Across the street from the Historic Courthouse, The Old County Jail houses a fully-functional museum of historic display screens, a museum store, and a genealogy space.

Mullet

Visitors to Crawfordville can delight in numerous parks, which can be accessed quickly. The adjacent Hudson Park is the website of numerous county parades and celebrations.

Hickory Park and Medart Park have playground equipment and tennis courts.

Nearby Cypress Run Farm is a privately owned place for horseback riding lessons and riding trails through natural settings.

The city center of Crawfordville is the neighborhood around the intersection of Crawfordville Highway, Shadeville Road, and Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Road.

Crawfordville is also home to a satellite campus of Tallahassee Community College and the Wakulla Environmental Institute.

The Institute is part of the community college and its vision is to bring together education, conservation, and recreation in order to stimulate economic development in an environmentally responsible way.

Crawfordville Ford Truck Cemetery
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

Visitors to Crawfordville love to stop by the side of the road on Crawfordville Highway south of town to take a look at the Old Ford Truck Cemetery.

Crawfordville Ford Truck Cemetery
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

​When you arrive, be careful there is a drop to the small field, but once safely parked, you are in an area containing rusted Ford cars and trucks. 

The vehicles are quite overgrown with vines and grass, however, neatly lined up for all to see and photograph.  They were all working vehicles of a local farm family that still owns the property.

Wakulla's Pelican Place

Another fun place to visit is Wakulla's Pelican Place, an unusual shop, in Crawfordville on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Road. 

Wakulla's Pelican Place
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

It is located in an old Florida Cracker house that has been converted into what the owners accurately describe as "a folk, fine and fun art gallery & emporium.

Wakulla's Pelican Place
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

You will find folk art, antiques, hand carved wood, decorator items, rocking horses beach decorations, and all kinds of neat stuff both inside and out.

Wakulla's Pelican Place
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

You can check them out at their Facebook Page.

THINGS TO DO IN CRAWFORDVILLE, FLORIDA

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 
465 Wakulla Park Drive, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 561-7276 
 
Home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs State Park is an absolute must-visit. Guests can enjoy guided riverboat tours to view wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and a diverse array of bird species.

The park also features a historic lodge, perfect for a quaint lunch stop. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and even diving into the cool spring. 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 
1255 Lighthouse Road, St. Marks, FL 32355 | (850) 925-6121  
 
A 15 mile drive from Crawfordville, this refuge spans over 70,000 acres along the Gulf Coast, providing habitats for a multitude of wildlife species. It's an ideal location for bird watching, photography, and hiking.

The historic St. Marks Lighthouse, an iconic landmark within the refuge, adds to the charm and appeal of this natural sanctuary. It’s a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park 
148 Old Fort Road, St. Marks, FL 32355 | (850) 925-6216 
 
Explore the rich history of Florida at this historic park, where the remnants of a fort stand at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers. The museum on-site offers insightful exhibits about the area's past. 

Learn about Native American habitation to its strategic military significance. Restrooms are available and dogs are welcomed. 

Panacea Mineral Springs 
1505 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 
 
Discover the healing powers of the natural mineral springs that have made Panacea a destination for wellness seekers since the early 20th century. While the original bathhouses are no longer operational, the area's natural beauty and serene atmosphere continue to draw visitors.

It’s a unique spot for those interested in the history of natural healing practices and the timeless allure of Florida’s springs. Picnic tables are available. 

Wakulla County Historical Society 
24 High Drive, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 926-1110 
 
Delve into the local history at the Wakulla County Historical Society, where artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicle the area's fascinating past. From early Native American life to the development of modern-day Crawfordville, the society's exhibits offer a comprehensive look at the region's evolution.

It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the stories and people that have shaped this community. 

TNT Hideaway 
6527 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 | (850) 925-6412 
 
For adventure seekers, TNT Hideaway offers kayak and canoe rentals to explore the serene waterways surrounding Crawfordville. Paddle along the Wakulla River to enjoy the lush scenery and wildlife sightings.

It’s a perfect activity for those wanting to experience the beauty of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems up close.