Rainbow SpringsState Park is a Florida State Park located on U.S. 41, three miles north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises upland and submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin which produces up to 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, red maple, redbud, cypress, sabal, and hickory trees; gray squirrels, red-shouldered 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.
History
Rainbow Springs became a privately owned theme park in the 1930s where visitors could look out into the water at eye level in a sub-boat. In addition to waterfalls, a zoo, rodeo, gift shops, and a monorail were added. Due to the development of Florida's interstate highway system, the attractions in Orlando drew many people away from Rainbow Springs and other small towns that hosted similar attractions. As a result, Rainbow Springs closed in 1974. After years of being closed, Rainbow Springs later reopened as a state park in the 1990s. Residents of the area created a support organization for the park called the Friends of Rainbow Springs. By physically clearing paths and bringing life back to the gardens, this group helped lead the opening of the park.
Among the wildlife of the park are gray squirrels, otter, turtles, alligators and many types of birds. Among the birds are songbirds, hummingbirds, red-shoulder hawks, and swallowtail kites, as well as osprey, barred owls, and various water birds. There is a nature trail.
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a nature trail, a full service campground, a picnic area with pavilions, canoes and kayak rentals, and gardens, as well as access to the Rainbow River. There are also waterfalls and phosphate pits from former open mining activity. There used to be a small zoo complex in the gardens. Some of the facilities still exist but are no longer used. At the entrance there is a small visitor center, shop, snack bar and restrooms, located in an elevated position above Rainbow Springs with a good view along the Rainbow River.
