Last Updated on March 14, 2024
Rainbow Springs State Park, located southwest of Ocala and three miles north of Dunnellon, is home to the river’s headspring, which feeds into one of the most beloved waterways in the state.
Visiting Rainbow Springs Florida
The Rainbow River has enjoyed a reputation as a scenic and popular playground since first opening in the 1930s as a private family-owned amusement park.
Years later, the State of Florida purchased the spring and became part of the Florida State Park System.
Rainbow Springs Park Rules
Florida has many rivers (and rules) – ranging from salty to muddy and from clear and fresh to dark and tannic.
Rainbow Springs River, the fourth largest in Florida and a tributary of the Withlacoochee River, could undoubtedly be called Florida’s natural swimming pool.
The white sandy bottom lies between areas of smooth limestone, creating a “pool” like effect.
Here, you share the water with turtles as they sunbathe on fallen logs, herons, and white ibis while feeding along the riverbank.
Children and adults float downstream in inner tubes or whatever objects serve as floatation devices.
It’s not uncommon to stop to jump off ropes tied to overhanging tree limbs. Slow-moving boats glide by — but no one is in a hurry to get anywhere.
The gentle current of the river dictates the pace as smaller springs bubble up and feed into the river. This creates plenty of areas to get out and swim.
The Rainbow Springs State Park
Situated on U.S. 41, Rainbow Springs has a rich history as one of the state’s most popular “old Florida” tourist attractions.
This area was once populated by prehistoric mastodons. It was later settled by Native Americans, who used the waterway for transportation and fishing.
In fact, this unique Florida destination experienced its heyday as a phosphate mining community.
By the 1970s, “real” Florida attractions, including Rainbow Springs, began losing their appeal. They started closing down as newer theme parks and an interstate highway system diverted traffic away.
Concerned citizens led an effort to save and preserve the 1,470-acre park. The State of Florida reopened Rainbow Springs as an official state park in 1995.
While at the Park
As you enter Rainbow Springs, signs direct you to the entrance of the ranger’s office. Ask for a map and take time for the walking tour.
Shady, fern-lined, hilly pathways with scenic vistas lead to elaborate, luscious green gardens.
There’s a roped swimming hole for those seeking a refreshing 72-degree dip.
Walkways and trails lead out to older (man-made) waterfalls. The river also has plenty of areas for picnicking.
A Florida Roadside Attraction
Many Floridians recount the earlier park amusement days of glass-bottom boats that toured down the river. There was also a Leaf Ride Monorail that transported visitors through the treetops.
Following the walkways, you can still see the historical remnants of a zoo and even a rodeo arena.
Don’t Miss the Butterfly Garden
There is an outdoor butterfly garden – which, alone, is worth the price of admission.
The cost to enter Rainbow Springs State Park is only $2 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free.
Volunteers have done a fantastic job planting a wide variety of plants that attract many species of butterflies. Undoubtedly, this remains one of the best butterfly gardens in Florida.
Kayaking the Rainbow Springs River
If you want to kayak, you have several options. One choice is to rent a kayak/canoe at the Rainbow Springs Park.
However, since the current moves from the park headspring downstream – the paddle down the river later becomes a paddle back up the river.
Be sure to check out Get Up and Go Kayaking. A clear kayak tour is a great option for those who want to see below the surface of the water, but may not want to snorkel or swim.
Plus, it’s always wise to be led by an expert unless you are an experienced kayaker.
Here’s another recommended alternative: Begin your travels outside the state park at Marion County’s KP Hole Park.
It’s a five-minute drive from Rainbow Springs and an ideal launching spot for kayakers and tubers. Rental equipment and tubes are available there.
From KP Hole, the easy one-and-a-half-mile, one-hour upstream paddle to the state park lands you at the kayak/canoe landing area.
Here you find the main swimming hole, restrooms, and picnic tables.
If you start early, you’ll catch some shade on the east side of Rainbow Springs State Park.
What can you see when kayaking?
So, doing the work upfront, followed by a slow downstream cruise, is lots of fun.
The river is dotted with homes on one side and the state park on the other.
While floating along, you’ll be with others – paddlers, boaters, snorkelers, and, in the winter, manatees in search of warmer water.
If you wish, you can go directly to KP Hole Park where inner tubes are rented (which includes the return shuttle ride) for a 3 ½ mile, four-hour downstream ride, but in the opposite direction of the state park.
Tubers slowly drift down the river to Blue Run Park and get out there, where the shuttle returns tubers to KP Hole.
So, enjoy your time at this authentic Florida park. It’s packed with history, natural beauty, and recreation — all in one scenic package.
Here are a few more tips for your trip:
- Entrance into Rainbow Springs State Park is $1 per person (as of July 2023).
- If you can go during the week, you are more likely to avoid large crowds
- KP Hole Park is open during the summer (8 am – 8 pm) and winter (8 am – 5 pm)
- Start early morning to catch the birds and wildlife
- Consider packing a lunch in a small cooler
- Remember to pack your sunscreen
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