Rainbow Springs has the fourth largest flow of all Florida's springs and provides fresh water to the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers.
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The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons (1.5 to 2.3 million 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.
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 river supports abundant wildlife, including otters, alligators, many species of turtles and fish, and every variety of water bird—waders, divers and dabblers.
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.
The flow of the spring is the fourth highest among all the springs in Florida. The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are incredibly refreshing place to swim. The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 10 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
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.
The Following is Prohibited on the RiverPossession of alcoholic beverages. Possession of food and beverages in disposable containers. Possession of disposable items such as paper sacks, boxes, breakable plastic utensils, etc.
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.
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.
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... serene, peaceful, beauty, blue/green water, azaleas, trees with Spanish moss swaying in the breeze from the branches, water falls, Florida blue sky and warm weather, picture ops...all of this for a small entrance fee of $2.00...