Located in northern Leon County Florida, the lake is bounded on the west by US 27 and on the east by Meridian Road (SR 155). On the southern shore is Lakeshore Drive, with Old Bainbridge and Miller Landing roads on the northern side. The lake is some 6 miles due north of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
Lake Jackson covers from 6-7 square miles of surface water, depending on the lake level fluctuations due to rainfall and dry weather.
The lake has a 43 square mile watershed surrounding its shoreline and this feature comprises a closed basin system without any surface outlet stream – thus it is entirely dependent on rainfall, along with several small streams.
Scientists say there are several sinkholes out in the body of the lake that feed into limestone caverns, and ultimately flow into the Floridan Aquifer, which underlies all of Florida. When drought conditions exist, and upon certain water levels, the lake will drain into this part of the aquifer. It has a long history of doing this and it always comes back once the rains resume. Native Americans even called the lake “Okeeheepkee,” meaning Disappearing Waters, according to early explorers.
Stormwater runoff from around the watershed basin, washing polluting materials from roads, yards, parking lots, and construction sites into the lake.
After considerable effort and expense by local government and water management officials, mud, silt, and other sediments were removed from the lake bottom and its water quality is now recovering quite well. See the 1999 Lake drydown
Lake Jackson is an "Outstanding Florida Water" and is the only freshwater lake that is an aquatic preserve in Florida.
It is the principal recreational lake in Leon County, is a world renowned bass fishing spot and a source for water
sports to the entire Tallahassee area. This brings in visitors and dollars to our local economy.
To see more about the hydrogeology of Lake Jackson, click here
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Very likely you are seeing Alligator Weed, which is an aquatic invasive plant from South America. Also, almong the ponds and shallow parts of the southern shoreline, there are thick infestations of Duckweed, Azola and some Hydrilla. See more on Aquatic and Terrestrial (land-based) Invasive Plants
A Florida Not-for-profit corporation and citizens’ action group.
To preserve, enhance and maintain the waters of Lake Jackson and its surrounding and supporting watershed.