Rainbow Springs is definitely one of our family favourites. It is located about two and a half miles from Dunellan.
The springs that bring us so much enjoyment today have actually been used by humans for 15000 years. There are only 3 springs larger than this in the whole of Florida.
Towards the end of the 19th century rock phosphates were found which made the area flourish and a small town called Juliette was formed.
By the 1930s the area became a tourist attraction and it was re named Rainbow Springs. This was because when the sun shone through the waterfall it formed a rainbow of colours.
By the 1960s there was a gift shop and restaurant. The attractions included glass bottom boats, a log raft ride, gondola/monorail nad submarine tours.
Then along came the " mouse" which together with road access changes served to kill off the attraction. Finally in 1974 it closed its doors for good.
The site was bought by The State in 1990 and with the help of volunteers the area was cleared and by 1993 Rainbow Springs opened its doors to visitors again.
Today you can swim in the waters of the headsprings that stay at a comfortable 72 degrees.
The trails and gardens are especially colourful and you will pass 3 waterfalls in your meanderings. The walking surfaces are good and firm as they are formed of wood, asphalt and brick.
A good time to visit is in february or march when the azaleas make an awesome display. Also, do not miss the butterfly garden which you will find tucked behind the cultural garden.
Are you a birder? you are! then try to visit on the 2nd saturday of the month (except june to august) when a ranger holds a guided bird spotting walk. The park holds a list of all the birds you are likely to see at this park.
Other events held here include an art show and a Cracker weekend which explores the culture and history of the cracker era.
CONTACT DETAILS
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S. W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park, Inc.
19158 South West 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Visitor Service Provider
Dragonfly Watersports
19158 S. W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Canoe Dock at the Headsprings: 352-465-2100
Riverside at the Campground: 352-465-8992
10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. - 7 days a week
Dragonfly Watersport
Visitor Service Provider
Food Concession and Gift Shop 19158 SW 81st Place Dunnellon, FL 34432 (352) 465-8523
The springs that bring us so much enjoyment today have actually been used by humans for 15000 years. There are only 3 springs larger than this in the whole of Florida.
Towards the end of the 19th century rock phosphates were found which made the area flourish and a small town called Juliette was formed.
By the 1930s the area became a tourist attraction and it was re named Rainbow Springs. This was because when the sun shone through the waterfall it formed a rainbow of colours.
By the 1960s there was a gift shop and restaurant. The attractions included glass bottom boats, a log raft ride, gondola/monorail nad submarine tours.
Then along came the " mouse" which together with road access changes served to kill off the attraction. Finally in 1974 it closed its doors for good.
The site was bought by The State in 1990 and with the help of volunteers the area was cleared and by 1993 Rainbow Springs opened its doors to visitors again.
Today you can swim in the waters of the headsprings that stay at a comfortable 72 degrees.
The trails and gardens are especially colourful and you will pass 3 waterfalls in your meanderings. The walking surfaces are good and firm as they are formed of wood, asphalt and brick.
A good time to visit is in february or march when the azaleas make an awesome display. Also, do not miss the butterfly garden which you will find tucked behind the cultural garden.
Are you a birder? you are! then try to visit on the 2nd saturday of the month (except june to august) when a ranger holds a guided bird spotting walk. The park holds a list of all the birds you are likely to see at this park.
Other events held here include an art show and a Cracker weekend which explores the culture and history of the cracker era.
CONTACT DETAILS
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S. W. 81st Pl. Rd.
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
Phone: 352-465-8555 Campground: 352-465-8550
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park, Inc.
19158 South West 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Visitor Service Provider
Dragonfly Watersports
19158 S. W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Canoe Dock at the Headsprings: 352-465-2100
Riverside at the Campground: 352-465-8992
10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. - 7 days a week
Dragonfly Watersport
Visitor Service Provider
Food Concession and Gift Shop 19158 SW 81st Place Dunnellon, FL 34432 (352) 465-8523