Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Springs_State_Park Rainbow Springs State Park is located on U.S. 41, three 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.

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 S

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c