Florida is known for its natural springs which have been made into state and county parks.
Understand
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Many of these "springs" are not springs in the typical sense, but rather are entrances to a network of marine caves similar to the Cenotes of the Yucatán, and are found throughout the northern half of the state and the Panhandle. As a result, many of these springs maintain a consistent water temperature of 70 °F (21 °C), making them a separate aquatic ecosystem from the rest of the state. Manatees and other forms of wildlife that are uncommon in the rest of the state due to seasonal temperature variation inhabit these freshwater springs. Surrounding rivers and lakes fall significantly below the 70 °F (21 °C) temperature in winter, as winter temperatures rapidly drop off as you travel north through the Florida Peninsula into the Panhandle or toward the Georgia border.
The "springs" were important to Florida's development in the late 19th century as resort towns for Northerners. At its peak, the network of springs was connected by regular steamboat service via rivers such as the St. Johns and luxury hotels brought the wealthy to the interior of the state. The development of Miami and Florida's coasts during the 1920s, followed by the development of Orlando as a theme park hub, coincided with the decline of the springs until their preservation as regional parks in the late 20th century led to renewed interest as natural attractions with a unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife.
The state parks were purchased from private landowners and consequntly, some of them contain historic houses or resorts. They offer parking (at a fee) and concessions within the parks. On weekends during peak season and good weather, parks can fill to capacity and close. County parks are low-key, often without admission charges or parking fees but fewer amenities. Most of the state and local parks extend far beyond the boundaries of the respective springs and into adjacent rivers and forests, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and boating.
Destinations
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- 1 Blue Springs, 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, ☏ +1 386 775-3663. 8AM-sunset. This Florida state park is best-known for its manatees, which can survive year-round due to the water's consistent temperature. Scuba diving is allowed here, and camping is available onsite. The historic Thursby House within the park offers a glimpse into late 19th and early 20th-century life in Florida. $6 per vehicle.
- 2 De Leon Springs, 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd, De Leon Springs, ☏ +1 386 985-4212. 8AM-sunset. Named after Ponce De Leon, the first non-Native (Spanish) explorer of the state who searched for the "Fountain of Youth" in the 16th century, and made a state park. Swimming, boating, kayaking, and scuba diving are allowed. $6 per vehicle.
- 3 Fanning Springs, 18020 NW US-19, Fanning Springs, ☏ +1 352 463-3420. 8AM-sunset. This state park features a boardwalk for viewing of wildlife and of the famous Suwanee River. You can access the park via boat from this river. Diving, camping, and kayaking are allowed in the park. $6 per vehicle.
- 4 Gemini Springs, 37 Dirksen Dr, DeBary, ☏ +1 386 736-5953, [email protected]. Sunrise-sunset. Constitutes part of a Volusia County park with historic houses and hiking trails. There are two springs within the park, along with access to Florida's Spring-to-Spring paved cycling path. Free.
- 5 Green Springs, 994 Enterprise-Osteen Rd, Enterprise. Sunrise-sunset. A Volusia County park known for its sulphur water and an uncharacteristic tree trunk which has grown sideways above the spring. Also a good starting place for cycling the Spring-to-Spring Trail or the East Central Regional Rail Trail. Free.
- 6 Hunter Springs, 104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River, ☏ +1 352 697-0933. A city park in the center of Crystal River, its Hunter Springs flow into the eponymous river to the Gulf Coast. Swimming and canoeing are allowed at the spring. The park contains a boardwalk from which you can view manatees and other local wildlife.
- 7 Ichetucknee Springs, 12087 SW US-27, Fort White, ☏ +1 386 497-4690. 8AM-sunset. A spring or "blue hole" between Gainesville and Lake City, it feeds into the Ichetucknee River and the Santa Fe River. One of the largest spring state parks, constituting more than 2,000 acres within the park boundary. Swimming, scuba diving, and hiking are allowed in the park. $6 per vehicle.
- 8 Madison Blue Spring, 8300 NE FL-6, Lee, ☏ +1 386 362-2746. 8AM-sunset. Not to be confused with Blue Springs to the southeast, Madison Blue Spring State Park on the Withlacoochee River is best-known for its swimming and scuba diving opportunities. $5 per vehicle (with passengers); $4 per vehicle (driver only); $2 per bicycle/pedestrian.
- 9 Manatee Springs, 11650 NW 115 St, Chiefland, ☏ +1 352 493-6072. 8AM-sunset. A state park on the Suwanee River about 5 mi (8.0 km) south of Fanning Springs. There is a campground on site, along with a boardwalk for wildlife viewing, and 40 mi (64 km) of trails including the Nature Coast State Trail for cyclists. Scuba diving is allowed in the park. $6 per vehicle.
- 10 Peacock Springs, 18532 180th St, Live Oak, ☏ +1 386 776-2194. 8AM-sunset. At the Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park to the southwest of Live Oak. A great spot for cave diving (certification required). $4 per vehicle.
- 11 Ponce de Leon Springs, 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road, Ponce de Leon, ☏ +1 850 836-4281. 8AM-sunset. Not to be confused with De Leon Springs, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is among the westernmost of Florida's springs, not far from DeFuniak Springs and well down the Panhandle. Said to be a "Fountain of Youth". Hiking, cooking (grills and pavillions on-site), and angling are allowed in the park. $4 per vehicle.
- 12 Rainbow Springs, 19158 SW 81st Place Rd, Dunnellon, ☏ +1 833 945-2925. 8AM-sunset. The source of the Rainbow River and a Florida state park. A visitor center, along with hiking and camping options, onsite. $5 per vehicle (with passengers); $4 per vehicle (driver only); $2 per bicycle/pedestrian.
- 13 Salt Springs, ☏ +1 877 444-6777. In the Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest. Camping (RVs allowed) and boating are allowed at the spring, which feeds a stream that flows into Lake George, one of Florida's largest lakes.
- 14 Silver Springs, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, ☏ +1 352 236-7148. 8AM-sunset. A state park close to Ocala in North Central Florida, on the Silver River. It's one of the few places in the U.S. where monkeys can be seen in the wild. Take care to guard your food and belongings. $8 per vehicle.
- 15 Wakulla Springs, 465 Wakulla Park Dr, Wakulla Springs, ☏ +1 850 561-7276. 8AM-sunset. A state park south of Tallahassee named Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. A hotel onsite is built in the Spanish colonial architectural style. Boat tours are available at the springs, and diving is allowed. $6 per vehicle.
- 16 Weeki Wachee Springs, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, ☏ +1 352 610-5660. 9AM-5:30PM. A state park and theme park in Spring Hill. The spring is the deepest freshwater cave in the entire U.S. $13 for adults; $8 for children ages 6-12.
- 17 Wekiwa Springs, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, ☏ +1 407 553-4383. 8am-sunset. A state park with camping options and several miles of hiking trails. It's one of the closest springs to Greater Orlando being on the northwestern side of that metropolitan area. $6 per vehicle.
Stay safe
[edit]Be careful swimming or diving as alligators inhabit the St. Johns and other freshwater rivers in the state. Wild monkeys have been known to attack when threatened, in troops, or opportunistically. Manatees are generally harmless, but do not antagonize them by swimming close to them. If using a powered boat near a spring, make sure to follow speed limits and to be cautious around manatees for their safety.
See also
[edit]- Diving in the United States for diving across the country and in the Atlantic Ocean/Gulf of Mexico coasts of Florida
- Marine life for a broader overview of the topic