About Welaka

The Mayor and Town Council are happy to welcome you to a cyber visit to our community. Welaka enjoys a moderate climate, and is located on the banks of the St. Johns River approximately 90 miles south of Jacksonville.

Welaka is home to some of the best large-mouth bass fishing in the world, with several natural springs in the area feeding the calm waters of the St. Johns River. Amatuer and professional fishermen alike enjoy the black bass fishing from Lake George to Dunn`s Creek, and Welaka has the most accessible public boat launching facility with a floating dock. Other species of fish include speckled perch and panfish of all descriptions that can be caught year round.

Welaka is also home to the Welaka National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium and the Welaka State Forest. The Aquarium contains exhibits of native and exotic fish and provides information on local wildlife. The hatchery provides walking trails and an observation tower for viewing sandhill cranes, southern bald eagles, herons, ibis, egrets, osprey and hawks common to the area. The Welaka State Forest contains walking and equestrian trails for the nature enthusiast.

The Ocala National Forest is on the opposite shore of the St Johns River from Welaka, and contains thousands of acres of undeveloped wilderness. Welaka offers the perfect place to discover the Florida of our ancestors, and to relax in quiet solitude.