St. Marks Lighthouse | Tallahassee

The St. Marks Lighthouse is a historic navigational aid located in Wakulla County, Florida, approximately 25 miles south of Tallahassee.

This octagonal structure stands 85 feet tall and is constructed from brick, originally plastered and painted white. Its design is characteristic of early 19th-century lighthouse architecture, featuring a conical tower topped with a lantern room and a black metal cap.

Location & Access Logistics

The lighthouse is situated at the southern tip of the St. Marks Peninsula, accessible via County Road 59 (Apalachicola Bay Road) from Woodville, Florida. The drive from Tallahassee is approximately 45 minutes. Parking is available at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, with a short walk or drive to the lighthouse itself. No public transport directly serves the lighthouse.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current St. Marks Lighthouse was constructed in 1842, replacing an earlier structure that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1840. It was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its primary purpose was to guide ships through the shallow waters of Apalachee Bay and into the port of St. Marks.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the lighthouse exterior and surrounding grounds. Guided tours of the interior and lantern room are offered on select days, typically on Saturdays, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, weather permitting. The surrounding St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge visitor center. Limited shade is present around the lighthouse. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available but can be intermittent. No food vendors are located directly at the lighthouse; visitors should bring their own provisions or plan to eat in the nearby town of St. Marks.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions. The best months for visiting are generally from October through May, avoiding the peak heat and humidity of summer. High tide is not a critical factor for accessing the lighthouse itself.

Facts & Legends

During the Civil War, Confederate forces attempted to destroy the lighthouse to prevent its use by Union ships. However, Union soldiers later occupied the area and reactivated the light. A local anecdote suggests that the ghost of a former keeper can sometimes be seen tending the light.

Nearby Landmarks

• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (0.2km North)
• San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park (7km Northwest)
• Town of St. Marks (8km Northwest)
• Shell Point (12km Southwest)