In 1927, the Ochlockonee River was dammed at Jackson Bluff to generate hydroelectrical power, leading to the creation of a 14.5-mile-long and 12,000-acre body of water that swiftly became a beloved recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. The lake, known as Lake Talquin, was aptly named after the neighboring cities of Tallahassee and Quincy.

The establishment of Lake Talquin State Park took place in 1970 when Florida Power Corp. generously donated the land. This donation encompassed not only the scenic bluffs on the lake’s southern shore that present-day visitors admire but also the area where the dam stands and a significant portion of the land managed by the Florida Forest Service as Lake Talquin State Forest. Initially operated by the Florida Park Service, the dam is currently leased and run by the city of Tallahassee to supply hydroelectrical power to the local community and regulate the lake’s water levels for recreational purposes.

Presently, the Florida Park Service oversees 526 acres to offer public recreation opportunities and safeguard the natural and cultural assets, such as the uncommon North Florida deep ravine systems with seepage streams, within the beautiful confines of Lake Talquin State Park.