Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, City of Dunnellon, Marion County, Florida, USA

Rainbow Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on U.S. 41, 3 miles (5 km) north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises 1,459.07 acres (5.9046 km2) upland (which includes around 100 acres (0.40 km2) of wetlands) and 12.83 acres (51,900 m2) submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin, which produces up to 600,000,000 US gallons (2,300,000 m3) of fresh water per day, forming the Rainbow River. The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors. In total, the park contains 11 distinct natural communities, including sandhills, flatwoods, upland mixed forests, and hydric hammocks.

Visitors are able to see a variety of wildflowers in season; oak, longleaf pines, magnolia, dogwood, red maple, redbud, cypress, sabal, and hickory trees; gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, swallowtail kites, barred owls, whitetail deer, and a wide variety of wading birds. The relative peace and quiet of the winter season offers much for the nature enthusiast. An interpretive room located in the visitor center displays the historical, natural, and cultural resources of the park.

It was known as Blue Spring until the 1930s, when the site was developed as a tourist attraction and the promoter sought a more distinctive name (there are several other springs in Florida named "Wekiwa" and "Blue"). To compete with the "glass bottom boats" of nearby Silver Springs, Florida, submarine tours were given of the springs. As for some other Florida springs, such as Weeki Wachee Springs, "mermaid shows" were an attraction in the 1950s. The tourist attraction was forced to close in the 1970s at Rainbow Springs but still goes on daily at Weeki Wachee Springs.

The entire Rainbow River was designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972, an Aquatic Preserve in 1986, and an "Outstanding Florida Waterway" in 1987. The land around the headwaters of the springs remained privately owned until 1990, when the State of Florida acquired the springs and saved them from development. Much of the work to open Rainbow Springs State Park was done by volunteers from the community.

The Rainbow River flows from Rainbow Springs into the Withlacoochee River.

Among the wildlife of the park are gray squirrels, otter, turtles, alligators, and many types of birds. Among the birds are songbirds, hummingbirds, red-shoulder hawks, and swallowtail kites, as well as ospreys, barred owls, and various water birds. The site has a 2-mile (3.2 km) nature trail.

Activities include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a nature trail, a full-service campground, a picnic area with pavilions, canoe and kayak rentals, and gardens, as well as access to the Rainbow River. It also has waterfalls and phosphate pits from former open-mining activity. A small zoo complex was once located in the gardens. Some of the facilities still exist but are no longer used. At the entrance is a small visitor center, shop, snack bar, and restrooms, located in an elevated position above Rainbow Springs with a good view along the Rainbow River.

Florida state parks are open between 8:00 am and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).

Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
visitrainbowsprings.com/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Springs_State_Park

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Taken in: United States / Florida / Rainbow Falls (show map)

Taken on: March 19, 2024

Tags:

Rainbow Springs State Park

19158 SW 81st Place Road

Marion County

Florida

USA

north Florida

scenic

waterfall

nature

trails

Sunshine State

U.S. 41

3 miles north of Dunnellon

wetlands

headspring basin

fresh water

plants

vegetation

historical landmark

old Florida

historic Florida

Registered Natural Landmark in 1972

an Aquatic Preserve in 1986

and an Outstanding Florida Waterway in 1987

State of Florida acquired the springs and saved them from development

The Rainbow River flows from Rainbow Springs into the Withlacoochee River

wildlife

swimming

snorkeling

canoeing

kayaking

wildlife viewing

nature trails

canoe and kayak rentals

gardens

phosphate pits from former open-mining activity

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