You can discover this State Park in the Southwest Corner of Marion County. It is a haven for those who love nature, with a serene river and multiple natural springs to explore. It is a place where you won’t see urban dwellers attempting water sports or hordes of tourists flocking to the springs. Instead, it is a rustic paradise where visitors can float down the river and escape the heat. The peaceful riverbanks are still home to a few residents.
The History of Florida’s Rainbow River
The river itself is formed by a first magnitude spring that discharges the fourth most water in the state. This first-magnitude spring is called Rainbow Springs. The first magnitude headspring basin can be found in Rainbow Springs State Park. The natural beauty of the river cannot be denied. The water is crystal clear, the bottom of the river is lined with white sand, and the entire length of the river is fed by smaller springs located at various intervals. You can spend time on a rented pontoon boat exploring this outstanding Florida waterway.
This area is well protected, so well protected that there is a waiting list for visitors. The appeal of this lesser-known tourist attraction is that it is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Florida has many rainbow rivers, but this specific one is a registered natural landmark, with good reason. The waters of this river sparkle in turquoise and green, shades of blue, and reflections from the sun.
While the water is the main attraction, Rainbow Springs State Park encompasses far more than just a river. You will find yourself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by stunning beauty, and a relaxing, peaceful, atmosphere lined with flatwoods, sandhills, and upland mixed forests depending on which part of the river you find yourself visiting. While visiting the Rainbow Springs State Park you are also sure to encounter an abundance of natural wildlife, including otters, whitetail deer, wading birds, and gray squirrels.
The Rainbow Springs Attraction
Aside from the main attraction of the swimming hole, the Florida Park Service also maintains three artificial waterfalls and beautiful ornamental gardens with land-locked and aquatic plants. You can rent tubes, kayaks, and canoes that can be launched into the river. Within the State Park you will be able to buy food, like ice cream, drinks, snacks, and sandwiches. You will not be permitted to boat within the State Park.
Best Of Florida Springs & Rivers
Florida is absolutely teeming with springs. It also has some of the most spectacular beaches in the country – from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The many fresh water springs have been attracting tourists since long before the world-famous amusement parks came to town. Today there are still around 40 springs in Florida that regularly receive visitors.
Things to do at Rainbow River
Boating
You can rent a boat the Blue Gator and stay at Dunnellon, FL. It gets busy very quickly, so there is a full valet service. Over the weekend there is a live band that adds tremendously to the country atmosphere. There is great food here, that can be enjoyed inside or outside, and they serve oysters any way you like them. You can also try glass-bottomed boat rides to get a better look at the riverbed. Riverboat rides are popular, as are submarine boat tours.
Sand bars & Rope Swings
The trees on the river’s edge make for great diving platforms, there are numerous caves to explore, and swings to jump from. Sand bars are also great to spend some time on. You can also take raft rides to a sand bar.
River Tubing
River tubing is a very popular activity in these parts. If you do not have your own, there are tube rental companies in the area. You should note that there are a great many tubers on the river at any point in time, so if you are in a boat, then you will have quite a job dodging them all. The tubers taper off dramatically after the KP hole. River tubing tends to start at KP hole and then go down stream. It will take between 2 to 3 hours to tube this far down.
How to Spend a Day at Rainbow Springs State Park
It is recommended to drive up to the springhead entrance and park there. Motorized vehicles cannot go beyond that point. From there, you can enjoy the bounds of the aquatic preserve, visit the large bubbling spring, or find a sand bar and enjoy the water while you have breakfast or lunch. On your way back you can find a restaurant by the river, and enjoy a hearty meal before retiring for the evening.
Accessing the Rainbow River in Florida By Boat
Across the road from the Blue Gator is a public boat ramp. You can rent a boat from the Blue Gator or you can bring your own and launch from this ramp. This ramp is in the Withlacoochee River. If you take a left under the first bridge then you will quickly be in the Rainbow River. It is important that you know your boat height before trying to go under the second bridge on the Withlacoochee River. It is very low and only allows about 9 feet when the water levels are low enough.
Rainbow Springs KP Hole Park
The KP Hole Park is open every day. There is a boat ramp, a place for picnicking, and swimming. There are on-site tube rentals, kayaks, and canoes. Although boats can be launched from here, it is rare because of the popularity of the spot. It is difficult to find parking, especially if you are towing a boat, so most people launch from elsewhere and boat up to the area.
The Best Best Place to Stay at Rainbow River and Rainbow Springs State Park
The Quality Inn Suites offers large suites and rooms that are clean and modern. Although not considered luxurious, it is still a fantastic place to stay. Breakfast will be included in your stay as an added bonus.
What You Need To Know
- When visiting the beautiful river you must take sunscreen, even if it is a cloudy day. All the time you spend in the water will be exposed to the elements and it would be ill-advised to get sun-stroke after a day of relative peace, drifting on the waters of the rainbow.
- There are no facilities in the area, so you need to bring drinking water. Do not drink the river water.
- Starting at the park means that you float downriver with the current.
- If you start at the boat launch you are going upriver.
- The entire length of the Rainbow River is a no-wake zone.
- Since this is a National Park, alcohol is prohibited.
- The local police traverse the Rainbow River regularly, and they will pull you over.
- You are not allowed to dispose of drink containers anywhere in the park.
Where To Eat
We recommend two restaurants in the area.
- The Blue Gator which is on the Withlacoochee River. You can also rent a boat here, and the launch pad is close to this restaurant.
- Swampy’s is at the lower end of the Rainbow River. You can dock here and enjoy the food, facilities, and view before continuing upriver.
Holiday weekends are extremely busy, despite being one of the lesser-known attractions in the area. If you plan to tube you should already be doing so by 10 am. Most operations cut out after that.
What about the Winter Season?
The winter season offers a more peaceful time here. You can see the visitor center displaying historical and cultural resources and artifacts, and the interpretive room located in a very popular part of the park. There are several walking paths in the overgrown park. Along these paths, you can explore rock crevices, see the hickory trees, look for Red Shoulder hawks, or go see the reptile exhibit.
Is Rainbow River a New Attraction?
This river and springs have sustained human inhabitants for nearly 10,000 years, while the tourist attraction occurred around the 1880s. It used to be named Wekiwa Creek, Blue Spring, and Crystal River. But regardless of previous names, this Marion County attraction has been around far longer than the state of Florida itself. The constant water temperature and alluring waters of the rainbow lend themselves beautifully to log raft rides and other water sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Rainbow River
Can you bring your own tube to Rainbow River?
Yes. There are rentals available, but you may bring your own.
Are there manatees in Rainbow River?
There are! And you may see them on your visit.
How cold is the Rainbow River?
The water temperature is maintained at 72 degrees throughout the year, even in winter months.
Is Rainbow River safe?
The river is generally considered safe, but you will need to ensure your own safety nonetheless. Acting recklessly may result in injury or other harm.
Can you swim in the Rainbow River?
You can swim anywhere in the area. You will not likely be alone in the river though. So be prepared to dodge boats and tubes.
Can you drink alcohol on Rainbow River?
No, it is part of a State Park so alcohol is not permitted anywhere on the premises, including the river.
What can I bring to Rainbow Springs?
Food is allowed. Alcohol is not, and glass containers are also prohibited. If you enter at the State Park any coolers that you bring will be checked. There is a gift shop in the park, and places to purchase snacks.
Are there alligators in Rainbow River?
Yes, although they tend to stay away from the springs because the water is much colder there.
Are there many tubes on Rainbow River beyond KP Hole?
No, most of the tubes only go as far as KP Hole. There is a tube rental there that you can make use of as a starting point.
Closing Thoughts
Rainbow River is one of the true hidden gems in Marion County. The beauty and charm of the area are next to none.
