Ichetucknee Springs

ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK NATURE AND HISTORY Perhaps the Ichetucknee’s greatest historical treasure is the Mission de San Martin de Timucua. This Spanish/Native American village was one of the major interior missions serving the important Spanish settlement of St. Augustine. The mission, built in 1608 flourished through most of that century. The river and springs were used consistently by even earlier cultures of Native Americans, dating back thousands of years. 12087 SW U.S. Hwy 27 Fort White, FL 32038 386-497-4690 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. With high quantities of limestone at or just below the ground surface, the area became early headquarters for North Florida’s phosphate industry in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Small surface mines are still visible throughout the park. Continuing through the 1940s, cypress and longleaf pine forests were harvested by the local timber and naval stores industries. • Pets are not permitted on or near the water. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing is prohibited within the park. • Scuba diving is permitted year-round. No open water diving, divers must be certified. Ichetucknee Springs State Park was purchased by the State of Florida in 1970 from the Loncala Corporation to preserve one of the state’s outstanding natural wonders. In 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior declared the Ichetucknee Spring a National Natural Landmark. • Tobacco products are not permitted on the river. Food and drink are permitted on the river in nondisposable containers only. • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • To become a volunteer, visit FloridaStateParks. org/Volunteers. • Florida state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to all facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the waterfront visitor center at 850-561-7278. During the 1800s, early travelers on the historic Bellamy Road often stopped at Ichetucknee Springs to quench their thirst. Later that century, a gristmill and general store were located at Mill Pond Spring. An astounding daily average of 233 million gallons of water flows, from several large springs to form the Ichetucknee River. The 72-degree, crystal-clear river travels six miles before emptying into the Santa Fe River. The Ichetucknee is home to four distinct biological communities, including shady hardwood hammocks, sunny open sandhills, wild rice marshes and swampy floodplain forests. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS STATE PARK One of Florida’s most pristine spring fed rivers Ichetucknee Springs State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Camping is available at O’Leno State Park just 12 miles away. Private camping is also available in the area. Troy Spring State Park and River Rise State Park are also nearby. After tubing, visitors can stop and grab a bite at the full-service concession at the south entrance, open during the summer season. Ichetucknee Rd. N Canoeing W Concession North Entrance Ichetucknee Spring Head E S Hiking Parking Blue Hole Trestle Point Spring Vent Trail Picnicking Old Phosphate Mine Playground Restroom Scuba Diving Pine Ridge Trail ee R iver Showers Snorkeling uckn Visitors can enjoy Florida at its finest and spend a day at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The everflowing, clear aquamarine waters providing a view of the river bottom’s fish and plants is what makes the park a “natural wonder.” Canoeing or kayaking in the autumn, winter or spring allows paddlers an opportunity to see old Florida in its untouched state. Hiking the winding trails take visitors through different ecosystems and to the sights and sounds that make them distinct. The park offers picnicking under the shade of huge live oaks at the historic north entrance, swimming at Ichetucknee headspring where the edges are shallow, or scuba diving at Blue Hole Spring to depths of 40 feet (divers must be certified). The park offers several tubing options: 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2.5 hours or 3.5 hours. Boat Ramp Swimming Tubing Midpoint Tube Launch Visitor Center Wildlife Viewing Ichet Take a cool, relaxing tube float or snorkeling trip on a steamy summer day, or a serene, soothing canoe or kayak excursion on a calm winter day. Whichever you choose, the tranquil beauty of the wild and natural Ichetucknee is not to be surpassed. Dampiers Landing dp t oin Mi South Takeout Tram Road il Tra Education Center Directions South Entrance 00252 Rev_01.19 Tram Shelter Take I-75 south, to exit 423, to State Road 47 south. Follow park signs. Or, take I-75 north to exit 399, US 441 north to High Springs; then take US 27 north to Fort White. Follow park signs.