Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park | |
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IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
Location | Marion County, Florida, USA |
Nearest city | Dunnellon |
Coordinates | 29°6′9.57″N 82°26′13.38″W / 29.1026583°N 82.4370500°W |
Area | 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) |
Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Designated | 1990 |
Rainbow Springs State Park is a
Visitors are able to see a variety of wildflowers in season;
History
It was known as Blue Spring until the 1930s, when the site was developed as a tourist attraction and the promoter sought a more distinctive name (there are several other springs in Florida named "Wekiwa" and "Blue"). To compete with the "glass bottom boats" of nearby Silver Springs, Florida, submarine tours were given of the springs. As for some other Florida springs, such as Weeki Wachee Springs, "mermaid shows" were an attraction in the 1950s. The tourist attraction was forced to close in the 1970s at Rainbow Springs but still goes on daily at Weeki Wachee Springs.
The entire Rainbow River was designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972, an Aquatic Preserve in 1986, and an "Outstanding Florida Waterway" in 1987. The land around the headwaters of the springs remained privately owned until 1990, when the State of Florida acquired the springs and saved them from development. Much of the work to open Rainbow Springs State Park was done by volunteers from the community.
Geography
The Rainbow River flows from Rainbow Springs into the
Ecology
Among the wildlife of the park are gray
, and various water birds. The site has a 2-mile (3.2 km) nature trail.Recreational activities and amenities
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a nature trail, a full-service campground, a picnic area with pavilions, canoe and kayak rentals, and gardens, as well as access to the Rainbow River. It also has waterfalls and phosphate pits from former open-mining activity. A small zoo complex was once located in the gardens. Some of the facilities still exist, but are no longer used. At the entrance is a small visitor center, shop, snack bar, and restrooms, located in an elevated position above Rainbow Springs with a good view along the Rainbow River.
Hours
Florida state parks are open between 8:00 am and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).