Rainbow River State Park
Hiking, kayaking, and swimming oh my. At the Head Springs located in the Rainbow River State Park in Dunnellon, Florida, you can do it all depending on what you want to do or what the group wants to do…all you must do is pay $2 to get in. This park is definitely a must visit when you get the chance to do so because it is the perfect place to spend any hot, Florida summer day by being able to cool off or just relax.
During the weekends and holidays, it is a bit busier like any other place to visit in Florida, but I can speak for everyone when I say “plan accordingly” especially at the busier times because they will close when the park reaches capacity. They will not even allow the campers to enter if they are over capacity. You just might want to get there right when it opens and beat the crowd.
At the Head Springs you are able to rent out their kayaks or canoes to paddle down the river and enjoy the nature you see along the route, or you can head over to the dock and jump into the swimming hole. There is not a lifeguard and because it is decently deep, it is recommended to bring a float of some sort especially if you have kids or elders in your group. You can also rent out a pavilion if you have a group and plan on staying all day, which is perfect for everyone to be able to recharge, fill their bellies with food, then jump back in the water… of course after letting it settle in their stomach. There is also an open field where you can spread your towel out and soak up those sun rays.
You do not have to just stay in the water the entire time while you are there, you can also walk the nature trail, go into the gift shop, or chow down on what the park provides, which is: sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and ice cream. When you go on the nature trail, you will be able to see the waterfall, so make sure you have shoes you are fine walking in. Who doesn’t love admiring nature’s beauty, especially when it is located right in your small but awesome Citrus County?
Back in the day, the Rainbow River State Park had a zoo complex. They had enclosures like you would find in a typical zoo and the animals they had that you could look at were foxes, bobcats, raccoons, birds, goats, and deer. Now they no longer carry these animals in their park for you to look at, but because we are in Florida, these animals are anywhere and everywhere and they are not stuck behind a cage, they are free.
If you want more information about the Head Springs at the Rainbow River State Park, visit their website or visit their Facebook page
Fun Facts
Rainbow Springs State Park right now is open 8 a.m.-sunset daily.
At one time, mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River, along with relics of the American Indians who used the river for transportation and fishing.
In the early 20th century, the surrounding area was mined for phosphate.
In the 1930s, the State Park was actually a privately owned theme park.
Their sub-boats had stairs that went below the waterline and visitors could go to the deck below and look out at eye level under the water.
The waterfalls were built on the piles of phosphate tailings.
Florida’s highway system led to the downfall of the State Park.
In 1974, Rainbow Springs was closed and then reopened in the 1990s, but this time as a State Park.
There are 1,470 acres in this park.
The three entrances are: Head springs, tubing facilities, and the campground.
