National fish hatcheries are a part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and help maintain and restore aquatic species across the country. They keep fish populations healthy, supporting both conservation and recreational fishing. Putnam County is one of the best places to fish in Florida, and is home to the state’s only national fish hatchery – Welaka National Fish Hatchery. In addition to all of the work they’re doing to raise fish in their 41 ponds, the hatchery also has a free aquarium where visitors can explore and learn about local freshwater and marine species. 

While the Welaka National Fish Hatchery has a local impact, its work reaches far beyond Putnam County. Across the entire United States, more than 70 national fish hatcheries raise and stock over 100 million fish each year. At Welaka 

National Fish Hatchery, the biologists have many tasks – including the production of striped bass for multiple states. When you visit the aquarium, you can meet 

some of the striped bass, as well as other aquatic species. 

It’s easy to assume that the Welaka National Fish Hatchery is only working with fish, but their work extends to other species as well. Behind the scenes, they’re working on some really cool projects to help raise threatened and endangered species like the Eastern indigo snake and the Florida grasshopper sparrow. These animals are eventually released into the wild to help bolster their populations.

What to Expect When Visiting the Free Aquarium in Welaka

The aquarium is one of Putnam County’s best free attractions and is perfect for families. When you visit, you’ll find a wide array of species, including bass, pickerel, bluegill, catfish, and more. 

Each tank is well-labeled, so you can easily know what type of fish you are seeing. The signage for each aquarium also includes a QR code that you can scan to learn more about each species. Besides fish, the aquarium is home to other interesting animals like an alligator and an Eastern indigo snake named Lumpy.  It’s a fun, interactive, and educational experience for all who visit. The aquarium is open every day from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. There’s no admission charge, and you don’t need a ticket. On-site restrooms are also available in a separate building. Note that the aquarium is not at the Welaka National Fish Hatchery’s main office, so be sure to use this address when visiting.

Aquarium Address: 301 South Street, Welaka, Florida 32193

The Welaka National Fish Hatchery Also Has a Great Spot for Birding

By now, you’ve probably realized that this is more than just a fish hatchery. Although the team there is doing great things to help aquatic species, they also maintain an area that has become a hotspot for birders. Across the street from their main office is an observation tower that looks out over some of their ponds. It’s only three miles away from the aquarium, making it easy to visit both locations. 

The observation tower is a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and is a wonderful spot to sit and meet some of Putnam County’s feathered residents. Several avian species can be seen from there, including ducks, Sandhill Cranes, Wood Storks, Cormorants, Anhingas, Killdeer, Ibis, and more. You may even get lucky enough to see one of the colorful Roseate Spoonbills. Bald Eagles have also been known to hang out inthe trees to the left of the tower, so bring the binoculars and keep a watchful eye out for them as well. 

Address: 1011 County Road 309, Crescent City, FL 32112 (The observation tower is directly across the street.) 

Also, Make Time to Visit the Nearby Welaka State Forest 

When you visit Welaka National Fish Hatchery, make sure you make time to experience both the aquarium and the observation tower. While you’re there, you can also easily add in some extra time to do more exploring at Welaka State Forest. This is another stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail and has trails where you can hike, bike, and ride horses. 

There are multiple trails, but one of the most popular ones is the 2-mile Mud Spring Trail, which leads to a sparkling natural spring. This forest is located along the St. Johns River, which is a great place to fish. As a matter of fact, this area is known as the “Bass Capital of the World.” 

You can camp overnight in Welaka State Forest when you visit, but if you aren’t up for camping, there are also plenty of other places to stay in Putnam County. You may even want to plan a few days. With more state forests, parks, and conservation areas, nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty of outdoor activities when they visit. Download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to get more ideas on all of the things to do in the area. 

Contact Information for Welaka National Fish Hatchery

The team at the Welaka National Fish Hatchery can also arrange group tours of their facilities. These are subject to availability, and you’ll need to contact them in advance to schedule one. If you would like to set up a group tour or have other questions about the fascinating work they’re doing, you can call them at (386) 467-2374.