Ichetucknee River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ichetucknee River |
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Ichetucknee River at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida, August 2006
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| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North central Florida 13 ft (4.0 m) |
| River mouth | Santa Fe River |
| Length | 6 mi (9.7 km) |
The Ichetucknee River is a beautiful, clear river in North Central Florida. It gets its water from natural springs. The river is about 6 miles (9.7 km) long. It is usually 20 feet (6.1 m) wide and 5 feet (1.5 m) deep.
Most of the river is inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park. The rest flows south of US Highway 27. The river eventually flows into the Santa Fe River. The Santa Fe River then joins the Suwannee River before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
The water in the Ichetucknee River is super clear. It stays at 72 °F (22 °C) all year round. There are nine main springs that feed the river. These springs pour out a huge amount of water every day. Some of these springs are Blue Hole Spring and Coffee Spring.
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Fun on the Water!
The Ichetucknee River is a popular spot for tubing and rafting. The park has rules about where you can start and end your trip. You can choose trips that last about 45 minutes, 1.5 hours, or 3 hours. Many shops outside the park rent tubes and rafts.
Amazing Animals of the Ichetucknee
Many different animals live in and around the Ichetucknee River. You might spot playful North American river otters or busy North American beavers. There are also many types of turtles.
Birds like ibis, wood storks, and egrets fly overhead. You might also see great blue herons, cormorants, and anhingas. Look for belted kingfishers diving for fish. Other birds include limpkins, wild turkeys, and wood ducks.
On land, you might see white-tailed deer, raccoons, and nine-banded armadillos. Sometimes, wild boars are also around. The river is full of fish like bream, bluegill, and largemouth bass. You can also find alligator gar, mullet, and catfish. In the colder winter months, West Indian manatees sometimes visit the river.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "Ichetucknee" likely comes from an old Native American language. It might mean "three streams." Another idea is that it means "beaver pond." Some people also think it could mean "lumpy water."
The River's Story
Long ago, in the 1600s, a Spanish mission site was in the park area. This was a place where Native Americans lived. Later, in the 1800s, the area was empty for a while because of wars. Then, American settlers moved in.
In the 1960s, the river was a favorite spot for swimming and tubing. But this led to problems like trash. So, in 1970, the State of Florida bought the land. They started cleaning it up and protecting it. In 1972, the river became a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very special natural place.
Protecting Our River
In the early 1990s, people noticed that the river's water quality was changing. Studies showed that certain things in the water were increasing. This was causing more algae to grow. It's important to keep the river clean and healthy for everyone.
