Who owned Rainbow Springs?

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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

History. Rainbow Springs was known as Wekiwa Creek by the Seminole Indians. 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).

MORE DETAILS

History of Rainbow Springs These falls are human-made, and telling their story can reveal how the land around Rainbow Springs was used and shaped by people.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The Rainbow Springs run is one of the largest spring runs in the world. It averages a discharge of more than 400 million gallons of water per day.

MORE DETAILS

The Following is Prohibited on the River Possession of alcoholic beverages. Possession of food and beverages in disposable containers. Possession of disposable items such as paper sacks, boxes, breakable plastic utensils, etc.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The river supports abundant wildlife, including otters, alligators, many species of turtles and fish, and every variety of water bird—waders, divers and dabblers. Osprey, hawks and swallowtail kites soar along the river corridor while smaller birds and animals hide in the lush vegetation.

MORE DETAILS

Canoeing/Kayaking the Rainbow River So 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

There is no parking fee however there is a $2.00 State Park Admission Fee per person.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS