Wakulla Springs, Florida: Henry the Pole-Vaulting Fish (Gone)

The glass bottom boats are running less these days because of water conditions, but Wakulla Springs is still one of my favorite places around. Jump off the high dive into the spring-fed swimming area, take a boat tour through the protected Wakulla River to spot some anhingas drying their wings and sunbathing alligators. Don't miss: boiled peanuts and root beer floats from the soda shop, and the amazing selection of stickers in the gift shop!

They are not running the glass bottom boat tours because of water conditions. Usually this water is crystal clear and you can see to the bottom of the Spring. According to the attendants, they would usually have to stop the tours during the rainy season because the water would become cloudy. Now, because of the drought conditions, the water is not clearing up.

They are still running the regular boat tours and you can swim.

Henry the Pole-Vaulting Fish continues his gymnastic performance in Wakulla Springs. Visitors can see it happen through the panel in the glass-bottom boat. The cartoon version on this entrance sign to the park is an exaggeration of what actually goes on underwater, and it's fairly impossible to photograph. You'll have to come see for yourself.

Henry the Pole-Vaulting Fish can still be seen from the Glass-Bottom Boats along with Henry Jr and an assortment of scaly relatives. Guests can also see the famous 'Tarzan tree' on the River Cruise where Johnny Weismuller frolicked in early Tarzan films.

Wakulla Springs is also the 'haunting" ground of the Creature from the Black Lagoon as well as the watery trap for the airliner in Airport '77. A 63-year-old lodge with hand painted cypress ceiling and one of the world's largest marble soda fountain attracted thousands of guests every year.

Wakulla Springs, south of Tallahassee, was privately owned for many years by a Mr. Ball but is now a state attraction. There is a beautiful hotel, which was originally Mr. Ball's home and a restaurant. The lobby contains a huge alligator in a glass case. The springs itself, though not nearly as famous as Silver Springs, is the highest volume springs in the world. Both glass bottom boat tours and jungle tours are run all year long and the area is absolutely beautiful....It is located about 16 miles south of tallahassee on 319 and east on highway 267.