The Rainbow River

The Rainbow River is located in the southwest corner of Marion County Florida, about 20 miles southwest of Ocala, 100 miles northwest of Orlando and 100 miles north of the Tampa Bay area. It is formed by a first magnitude spring that is ranked fourth in the state for volume of discharge. In addition to the springs located at the headwaters, there are many smaller springs that discharge from numerous caves, rock crevices, and sand boils the entire length of the river. The Rainbow River is a gently winding river that is 5.7 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida. The headwaters is the anchor for the Rainbow Springs State Park. This first magnitude spring is not one large vent but is numerous vents that issue 400 - 600 million gallons of crystalline water every day. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular destination to swim, snorkel, canoe, picnic, or stroll on the walking paths to enjoy the many plants and animals that abound here.

Once named Wekiwa Creek, Blue Spring, and Blue Run, archaeological evidence indicates that the waters of the Rainbow River have attracted and sustained human inhabitants for over 10,000 years. The crystal clear water, abundant with fish, wildlife and vegetation along with the constant water temperature of 73 degrees, has attracted a number of modern day activities.

The springs became popular in the late 1880’s when hard rock phosphate was discovered in the area. A small community called Juliette flourished near the springs during this "boomtown" era. In the 1930’s the spring was developed as a tourist attraction. Sea walls, a lodge, gift shop, the waterfalls, and a reptile exhibit were developed. Under new ownership, the real heyday for the attraction occurred in the 1960’s. During that time activity greatly increased with glass-bottomed boat rides, riverboat rides, log raft rides, a gift shop and cafe, an aviary, a leaf-shaped gondola/monorail system, a horse rodeo, and submarine boat tours. Not faring well when traffic began using I-75 instead of U.S. Highway 41, with many tourists heading to a new attraction called Disney World, the attraction closed in 1974.

The entire Rainbow River was designated as a Registered Natural Landmark in 1972, an Aquatic Preserve in 1986, and an "Outstanding Florida Waterway" in 1987. The state purchased the original area that was the Rainbow Springs Attraction in 1990. Volunteers cleared the overgrown park and opened the park on weekends to the public. The Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park on a full time basis on March 9, 1995.

Rainbow Springs State Park is comprised of 826 upland acres, 79 wetland acres, and 15 submerged acres. The most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons 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. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish , wildlife, and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors. In total, the park contains 11 distinct natural communities, including sandhills, flatwoods, upland mixed forests, and hydric hammocks. Visitors are able to see a variety of wildflowers in season; oak, longleaf pines, magnolia, dogwood, redbud, and hickory trees; gray squirrels, red-shoulder hawks, swallowtail kites, barred owls, whitetail deer, and a wide variety of wading birds. The relative peace and quiet of the winter season offers much for the nature enthusiast. There is an interpretive room located in the visitor center displaying historical, natural, and cultural resources of the park.

You can contact the park at the following address:

Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 S.W. 81st Place Road
Dunnellon, FL 34432
(352) 465-8555

The Park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset 365 days a year.

Driving Directions and General Information

To the Rainbow Springs State Park:
From I-75, exit west onto State Road 40 at Ocala. Take State Road 40, west until it dead ends at U.S. 41. Turn left (south), and travel about 1/2 mile, the park entrance is on the left-hand side (east) of the U.S. 41.

From Tampa, take U.S. 41, north. Drive through the town of Dunnellon. The park is located on the right-hand side (east) of the road, approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunnellon.

From areas in the northwest, take U.S. 41 to the town of Williston. After passing through Williston, you will drive south and you will come to a traffic light where State Road 40 has come to a dead end. Go through this light; the park entrance is on the left-hand side (east) of the road.

The address is: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
For detailed maps, routes and satellite views click the address link.
 

To the Campground:
The campground is separate from the headsprings day use area and is located 2.5 miles north of C.R. 484 off of S.W. 180th Avenue or 2.5 miles south of Highway 40 off of S.W. 180th Avenue.

The address is: 18185 S.W. 94th Street - Dunnellon, FL 34432.
For detailed maps, routes and satellite views click the address link.
 

To the Marion County Park - The K.P. Hole:
The Marion County Park known as The K.P. Hole is the farthest public up-river location to begin tubing. It is located about 1.5 miles down river from the Rainbow Springs State Park and offers public facilities for swimming, cooking out, tub rentals, canoe rentals, dive flag rentals, restroom facilities, etc. The daily entry fee is $3.00 per person, and children under 5 years old are free. Click here for rental information: Rental Information Click here for price a list: Price List

Pets & alcohol are not allowed; service animals are always welcome.

Phone Number: (352) 489-3055
Hours of Operation:
Summer: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Winter: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The address is: 9435 S.W. 190th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432.
For detailed maps, routes and satellite views click the address link.
 

Aquatic Plants
Click here to learn about some of the aquatic plants you will see on The Rainbow River.

River Rules
Click here to find out the basic rules on The Rainbow River.

Activities & Calendar of Events
Click here to find out about Activities and Events on The Rainbow River.

Information on Businesses
Click here to find links to local businesses..

Are you interested in finding out what the weather will be like or what the current phase of the moon will be? Click the appropriate link below to find out.

To contact TheRainbowRiver.com, use the link below. If you think that you would like your Rainbow River business linked to this site or if you would like to have reference made to your Rainbow River area business on this site, send an e-mail using the e-mail link below.

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