Rainbow Springs State Park has a long and interesting history dating back 10,000 years ago. Settled originally by the Timucuan, the people used the springs for their transportation, fishing, and clean drinking water. In 1839, Pioneers settled the headsprings of the Rainbow Springs and began an agricultural community. Man-made waterfalls were created at the headsprings of the Rainbow River from the piles of phosphate tailings due to the mining process of the phosphate mineral. In the 1920s, a gift shop, glass bottom boats, tropical foliage, aviary, zoo, botanical gardens, and a monorail with leaf shaped gondolas were added. Rainbow Springs became a popular tourist attraction until the mid 70s when the theme parks in Orlando were built. Today you can still enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and wildlife at Rainbow Springs. Enjoy birding, camping, canoeing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and tubing. Tubing is only available seasonally May – September.
Please contact Rainbow Springs State Park directly for current hours and pricing. Check out our See & Do Page for other fun things to do in Florida and our Deals Page for offers and coupons for Florida attractions, restaurants, shops and more.