Rainbow SpringsBrochure |
Brochure of Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida - a mixture of cultural gardens, a spring-fed river and a natural headspring. Published by Florida State Parks.
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RAINBOW SPRINGS
STATE PARK
HISTORY AND NATURE
The area surrounding the park has been inhabited
by human cultures for at least 10,000 years.
People we now call the Timucua lived here at
the time of European contact. The city of Ocala is
named after a nearby Timucuan village and chief
called Ocale.
Pioneers first settled the headsprings in 1839. By
1883, about 75 people lived in this agricultural
community, which had a railroad station, sawmill,
hotel, stores and a post office.
In the 1920s, Blue Springs and Blue Run were
favorite spots for tourists and locals. As the
attraction grew, the river was dredged for glass
bottom boat tours; and waterfalls were built on
piles of phosphate tailings. A zoo, rodeo, gift shops
and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas were
added. In the mid-1970s, when larger theme parks
lured the tourists away, Rainbow Springs was
closed. In the mid-1990s, it reopened as a state
park. In 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior
designated Rainbow River as a National Natural
Landmark. It is also an aquatic preserve and an
Outstanding Florida Water.
The river supports abundant wildlife, including
otters, alligators, many species of turtles and fish,
and every variety of water bird—waders, divers
and dabblers. Osprey, hawks and swallowtail
kites soar along the river corridor while smaller
birds and animals hide in the lush vegetation.
Many animal species, including the endangered
gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake, indigo snake,
Sherman’s fox squirrel and the Florida mouse
inhabit the uplands surrounding the springs and
river.
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
352-465-8555
PARK GUIDELINES
•
Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
•
An entrance fee is required.
•
All plants, animals and park property are protected.
Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited.
•
Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six
feet and well-behaved at all times.
•
No fishing, tubing or diving is permitted in the
headsprings area.
•
Fishing is available to registered campers only from
the campground. A Florida fishing license may be
required.
•
Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.
•
To become a volunteer, please inquire at the ranger
station.
•
For camping information, contact Reserve America
at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
•
Florida state parks are committed to providing all
visitors equal access to facilities and programs. If you
need assistance to enable your participation, please
contact the ranger station.
Visit us online at
FloridaStateParks.org
Follow us on social media
FloridaStateParks.org
#FLStateParks
RAINBOW SPRINGS
STATE PARK
A mixture of cultural gardens,
a spring-fed river
and a natural headspring
Rainbow Springs State Park
EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES
Rainbow Springs is a wonderful mixture of Central
Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. It is a popular
destination to swim, snorkel, tube, canoe, picnic or
stroll the gardens. The day-use headsprings area, tube
launch area and the campground differ in the activities
they allow, so be sure to ask in advance.
000 Feet
Gardens
Canoe Launch
Hiking
Canoeing
Parking
Concessions
Pavilion
Inset 1
Picnicking
Showers
Restrooms
Snorkeling
Inset 1
Wildlife Viewing
To Headsprings
Entrance
Inset 2
Park Boundary
Entrance Station
& Gift Shop
Camping Sites
0
250
500
1,000 Feet
Public Canoe &
Kayak Storage
Trailhead
Hiking
Hiking/Biking
Dock
US Highway
US Highway
County Road
County Road
Park Road Paved
Park Road Stabilized
Park Road Stabilized
Park Road Unstabilized
Park Road Unstabilized
Structures
Structures
Parking Lots
1,000 Feet
ad
Campground
Entrance
Inset 2
0
1,000 2,000
Inset 2
4,000 Feet
0
1,000 2,000
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and Parks
Date of aerial; 2016
Tubing
Entrance
SW 180th Avenue Road
Parking Lots
500
venu
e Ro
250
Rainbow River
Park Road PavedCamping Check-in
0th A
0
Campground
Entrance
SW 1
8
Tube/Canoe/Kayak
Launch
Hiking
Walkways
Concession Store
Laundry
Canoe & Kayak Rack
for Registered Campers
Only
Park Boundary
Hiking/Biking
Walkways
Campground Inset
Tram
Station
Inset 2
Camping Sites
Swimming Dock
N
W
E
S
4,000 Feet
Inset 2
To Dunnellon
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and Parks
Date of aerial; 2016
Tubing
Inset 1
Headsprings
Entrance
Directions
STATE PARK
Visitor Center
Inset 1
The headsprings and campground have a variety of
ranger-guided programs and canoe trips at different
times of year. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent
at the headsprings. A food concession, gift shop and
visitor center add to the pleasure and education of
visitors. The picnic pavilions are perfect for family
reunions and weddings.
Headsprings Entrance: 1-75 to State Rd. 40 west
which dead ends at U.S. 41; turn left. Park is on left.
Campground Entrance: 18185 SW 94th St., 3.1 miles
1,000 Feet
south of State Rd. 40 or 2.3 miles north of County
Rd.484.
Tubing Entrance: 10830 SW 180th Ave. Rd., 4.5 mile south
of State Road 40 or 0.9 miles north of County Road 484.
Swimming
Headspring Inset
The gardens and waterfalls are cultural assets that
remain from the days when the headsprings were
a private attraction. They have been renovated and
replanted while preserving their historical significance.
In early spring the entire headsprings area bursts
into pinks, purples and whites with its famous azalea
blooms. Nature trails invite hikers to meander into
the park’s natural areas.
The campground, about six miles from the
headsprings, provides access to the river. More nature
trails wind through the sandhill and oak hammock
communities. Campground activities are for registered
campers only, and a camp store offers further
amenities for overnight guests.
Camping
Inset 1
SW 180th Avenue Road
Welcome to Rainbow Springs State Park. One of
Florida’s largest springs, the headsprings of the
Rainbow River originate in this beautiful 1,472-acre
park. Rich in natural beauty and cultural history, it is
also a popular spot for swimmers, kayakers, tubers
and campers. The magnificent azaleas bloom in early
spring, attracting visitors from around the country.
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