Rainbow Springs gets very crowded and has high visitation, especially on weekends and the holidays. The park reaches capacity quickly on the weekends.
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Canoeing/Kayaking the Rainbow RiverSo Rainbow Springs (the headspring) is a first magnitude spring (the 4th largest in Florida), pumping out approximately 400 -600 million gallons of beautiful spring water a day.
Rainbow Springs State Park is a Florida state park located on U.S. 41, 3 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 tourist attraction has been forced to close its doors as high maintenance costs and an uncertain future meant it was not financially viable, according to Ngai Tahu Holdings chief operating officer Craig Ellison.
History of Rainbow SpringsThese falls are human-made, and telling their story can reveal how the land around Rainbow Springs was used and shaped by people.
Rainbow Springs State Park's refreshing cool waters of the headsprings are a perfect place to go for a swim or snorkel. You can also tube or kayak down the gentle spring run that is known as Rainbow Springs River. Besides the water activities, there are also shady gardens laced with azaleas, magnolias, and oaks.
The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 10 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round. Underwater, swimmers and snorkelers can see turtles, fish and forests of aquatic grass that provide food and habitat for many of the creatures that live here.
Before the building of the attraction, the Rainbow River was known at different times as Wekiwa Creek or Blue Run. 'Rainbow River' seemed more marketable and the names of the river and springs were changed to the names they bear today.
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.
Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience but is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. Instead, visit our tubing entrance located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road, Dunnellon.
During the five-year period, 37 different species of fish were collected from the Rainbow River System. The study helps biologists tell how any impact, whether natural or man-made, is affecting the spring's ecosystem and ecology.
On average, the Rainbow River is less than 10 feet deep, although there are places where it drops 25 feet. Close to the banks, it's shallow enough to stand. Look out for big branches to jump from and a rope swing or two.
We Have Delicious Food Options Available!We take pride in serving delicious food right in the park. From Texas-style pretzels spritzed with kosher salt to tortilla chips smothered in gooey cheese (the perfect treat to enjoy while walking), our Rainbow Snacks make for a perfect appetizer or shared plate.