Relax on a Beautiful River in a Natural Florida Setting

Would you like to visit a place where you have the chance to observe otters, squirrels, alligators, deer, raccoons, woodpeckers, blue herons, hummingbirds, cormorants, fish, and many other species of Florida wildlife in their natural habitats? And, you can do this from the comfort and safety of an observation deck or dock over the river.
If you prefer, you can just sit on the screened porch overlooking the beautiful St. Marks River and soak up the peaceful solitude of a completely unspoiled environment. As the sun goes down, you will be captivated by the rhythmic melodies of the frogs and crickets, guaranteed to soothe your soul.

Please note: for liability reasons, we do not provide boats of any kind You can rent them locally at TnT Hide-a-Way rentals on US98.

When you book a stay with us, we will send you a long list of places to visit and things to do such as Wakulla Springs and the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Most of the roads, ponds and levees in St. Marks NWR were originally built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of Roosevelt’s New Deal after the Great Depression. The ponds range from fresh water to salt, accommodating the many species of migratory birds passing through Florida’s Big Bend. We take several hikes around ponds to observatories and along the levees, marveling at the variety of grasses and wildflowers. Butterflies are everywhere, including the migratory monarchs passing through the NWR on their way to Mexico for the winter.

Toward the end of the Civil War, the area of St. Marks was strategically important to the Confederate Army for delivery of supplies and to the Union Army trying to capture the capital, Tallahassee. The Union regiment, which came ashore here at the Lighthouse, was repulsed at Natural Bridge (where the St. Marks River goes underground), but not before destroying several bridges and the salt factory, essential for preserving food for the Confederate troops.

Our cabin is a mere 4 miles from the Lewiswood Farm, a popular wedding venue, Mention you are having or attending an event at the farm for a discount.in our rate

Before we approve your pet, we must know your pet's breed, age and size and if he/she will be on good behavior if you have to leave him/her alone in the Retreat? A pet fee of $25 will be charged upon approval. Our concern is that your pet is safe and so is our Retreat.

To find out how our guests who have been on the tours enjoyed their trip, please read about them in our guest comments. Hope you will give them a call and take advantage of this special opportunity while staying at the Retreat. Happy paddling!!


Guest Comments

This is our second stay here and we know we will be back again. We so appreciate the beauty and natural setting of this place. In our two visits here, we have enjoyed seeing deer, owls (right outside our windows) and numerous Florida birds hanging out on the river.
Our hosts Floyd and Carolyn were attentive and available to our needs. The Seinyard restaurant has definitely become one of our favorite places to eat (awesome food) and we make sure we visit it every time we are blessed enough to come back to visit.
Thank you Floyd and Carolyn for sharing your Retreat
Joe and Debra
Lutz, Florida


This place is amazing! We have fallen in love with the breathtaking and extremely relaxing environment.
The jumping fish were hysterical! However, the cows walking in the river topped the fish. The house was perfect and had every thing we needed.
Thank you so much for an amazing weekend. We will be back!
Cory & Amber


Well, what can we say except the location was superb. The interior design is a testament to all your hard work and imagination. Spotlessly clean. So tranquil and relaxing sitting on the dock in the morning.
The beds are some of the most comfortable we have had the pleasure to sleep in. The nighttime chorus (of the crickets and frogs) is something we will always remember. Great fun trying to catch the uncooperative mullet in the river, but we did catch one at the Seinyard restaurant and it was mind blowing.
So, Floyd and Carolyn, thank you very much for a wonderful Retreat.
“Haste ye back”
Martin & Julia
Edinburg, Scotland


What an awesome experience! Our accommodations were unsurpassable, and, to say the least, our trip was a success.
Now that we found you it goes without saying you’ll be stuck with us and our soon-to-be FSU student. We’ll be seeing you again.
Elise & Larry
Coral Springs, Florida


We really enjoyed our stay at the St. Marks Retreat. We paddled our canoes on the St. Marks, Sopchoppy, Wacissa and Aucilla rivers. All lovely. Tons of birds, otters, alligators and turtles. We also went hiking at Leon Sinks and biking on the St. Marks Trail.
This cabin is delightful- quiet, peaceful and very clean. There are more rivers and trails to enjoy, so we will be back.
Lois, John & Jocelyn
Traverse City, Michigan

Floyd, it has been a pleasure meeting you and staying at the St. Marks Retreat. After working 11 years in the hotel industry, I have to say this is the cleanest and one of the best decorated properties I have ever seen. The nature and river next to the Retreat is good for mind, soul and body.
The St. Marks Retreat is the Best!
Robert and Family
Jacksonville, Florida

This was our first sort of wilderness vacation, and the Retreat didn’t let us down. Very serene and relaxing. Spotted a very large owl outside the cabin (approximately 2 ½ feet tall)- very wild and scruffy looking. We saw many deer on the road coming in and more up close in the wildlife refuge. We also spotted a black bear in the Apalachicola National Forest.
We enjoyed the good fresh seafood at the Seinyard Restaurant. The cabin was indeed clean, quaint and comfortable. The location and atmosphere proved to be the natural and relaxing stetting we desired.
Ted & Cindy
Cape Coral, Florida


What a wonderful vacation! This cabin is so cozy. Everything was clean and comfortable. We had a great honeymoon here.
Thank you for the fruit, snacks, coffee and hot chocolate. That was a nice treat. We will be back.
Take care and God bless you both.
Dustin & Naomi


What a lovely place. Everything was very nice. You’ve taken the time to make this a truly neat visit. Our children enjoyed netting the fish and playing in the water. Saw lots of birds, spiders, fish, deer. I even got up extra early just to enjoy the peaceful setting.
Enjoyed the surrounding area, Wakulla Springs (saw a manatee), the lighthouse, the town of St. Marks.
Thanks again. We will recommend this place, and we will be back. Our son says this is our new Florida home.
Al, Marcy, Ally & Natalie
Harrison, MI


Thank you so much for this amazing experience. This was the best anniversary we have ever had. We saw all sorts of wildlife and relaxed more than we’ve been able to in a long time. We really look forward to coming back. We can’t thank you enough for everything.
Jessica & Terry

Thanks for letting us stay here for our 25th anniversary. The house is just the right size for us, and the surroundings are fabulous. We love this area. We even caught and ate scallops. We saw an abundance of wildlife.
Sincerely,
Liz, Mike & Jessica


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