Florida Guide > State Parks
FANNING SPRINGS
Fanning Springs State Park is on the U. S. Highway 19/18 right on the Suwannee River. The popular song 'Old Folks At Home' was written about this area.
Fort Fanning was created in 1838 - it was built of wood so not much of it has survived. First named Palmetto, it is now called Fanning after Col. Alex Campbell Wilde Fanning who served in both the first and the second Seminole Wars and in honour of his bravery.
Fanning Springs was where the boats landed to un load farming necessities and load up turps, wood and cotton. At the begininig of the 1900s the rail roads were built to span the Suwanee River and they took this trade away from the boats.
65 million gallons gush through these springs every day which make the springs among the best in Florida. You can access this park by boat or car.
Fanning is approximately 350 ft by 200 ft and the vent has a diameter of 30 ft. The spring run is 100 ft long, 100 ft wide and 8 ft deep. It eventually tips in to the Suwanee River.
There is a nature trail here that is not too taxing since it is less than a mile long. You will walk through thick upland pine that provides a welcome sun shade. You may see squirrel, wood pecker, rat. lizard, owl and deer.
If you take a pic nic there is a nice area with a view of the springs or another at the river side area where you look out over the Suwannee River.
You may swim in Fanning Springs; there is a shallow area for less confident swimmers and a diving platform into deeper waters. Since it is a spring the water is a constant 72 degrees and crystal clear
It is worth noting that if manatees are here you will not be able to swim and also after heavy rains the river floods the spring and you are not allowed in for safety reasons.
They have moved about 7 loads of rock and 500 cubic yards of sand from the spring entrance since they were creating a blockage. The sand was taken away and he rock put into the spring run.
This has made the pool considerably bigger and deeper, so was a job well done
The park costs $4 for a carfull and if you wish to dive, that will cost you $10. Snorkelling is also allowed here as well
Do call the park n advance to establish the swimming possibilities before you set out
Fanning Springs State Park
18020 N. W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-463-3420
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