North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs, including the United States’ largest collection of first-magnitude freshwater springs. The springs are an excellent way to get outside and explore Florida’s natural side. Did you know that the crystal clear water flows from underground all year at a refreshing 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 22 degrees Celsius? Make a point of visiting the springs while in Gainesville or Alachua County.
Poe Springs State Park
Parking is $6 per vehicle and $1 for walkers and cyclists.
Poe Springs, Alachua County’s largest spring, is open to the public Friday through Sunday. Every day, the spring pumps 45 million gallons of cool, refreshing water. A playground, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, volleyball courts, softball/kickball/soccer field, nature trails, and its own spring are all available at the park.
Poe Springs Park is a 202-acre public park on the banks of the Santa Fe River with scenic woodlands and rolling fields. The shallow water makes it suitable for children. Pets and alcohol are not permitted. Although scuba diving is not permitted, you can free dive to explore a small underwater cave! The depths are approximately 25 feet.
Ginnie Springs State Park
Splash into several springs and float down the Santa Fe River on a raft. Ginnie Springs is a popular international destination for certified scuba divers due to its extensive underwater cave system. Throughout the year, the park also hosts special events. Admission is $5 for children ages 5 to 12, and $20 for adults.
Rum Island Springs
Rum Island Springs offers access to the Santa Fe River as well as the beautiful, clear, freshwater Rum Island spring. Hike the nature trail near the boat ramp for a scenic hike. The cost of parking is $5 per vehicle.
Itchetucknee Springs State Park
Floating down a spring-fed river The Ichetucknee River is the ideal summer tradition and a refreshing, relaxing way to get away from it all. Blue Hole Spring is the park’s largest spring, producing an average of 67 million gallons of water per day. The clear water is the main draw, but there is also plenty of wildlife to see, including birds, turtles, otters, fish, and more. The cost of admission is $6 per vehicle.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Gilchrist Blue Springs contains a number of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces 44 million gallons of water per day on average. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has exceptional water clarity and discharges water to the Santa Fe River via a shallow spring run about a quarter mile long. The cost of admission per vehicle ranges from $4 (single occupant) to $6 (2-8 people).
