Rainbow River facts for kids

The Rainbow River is a beautiful waterway located in Dunnellon, Florida, in the southwest part of Marion County. It's about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Ocala. This amazing river starts from a very powerful spring called Rainbow Springs. It's one of the biggest springs in Florida!

Many smaller springs also feed into the Rainbow River. Water flows out from caves, cracks in rocks, and even from "sand boils" all along the river. The river gently winds for about 5.7 miles (9.2 kilometers) before joining the Withlacoochee River.

The main spring, Rainbow Springs, is part of Rainbow Springs State Park. This huge spring isn't just one big hole. Instead, it has many openings that release a massive amount of clear, fresh water every day. We're talking about 400 to 600 million gallons! Rainbow Springs State Park is a fantastic place to visit. You can swim, snorkel, or canoe in the clear water. There are also nice paths for walking and enjoying the many plants and animals that live there.

A River Through Time

People have been drawn to the Rainbow River for a very long time. Scientists have found signs that humans lived near these waters for over 10,000 years! The river's clear water, full of fish and wildlife, and its steady temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 °C) have always made it a special place.

The river has had a few different names in the past. It was once called Wekiwa Creek, Blue Spring, and Blue Run.

From Boomtown to Park

The Rainbow River and Rainbow Springs became very popular in the late 1800s. This was when a valuable rock called phosphate was found nearby. A small town named Juliette grew quickly near the springs during this "boomtown" time.

In the 1930s, the spring was turned into a tourist attraction. They built sea walls, a lodge, a gift shop, and even waterfalls. There was also a reptile exhibit. The attraction became even more popular in the 1960s. Visitors could enjoy rides on glass-bottomed boats and riverboats. There were also log raft rides, a gift shop, a cafe, and a special monorail system. You could even take tours in a "submarine boat" that let you look at the underwater world!

However, when a new highway (I-75) opened, fewer tourists came this way. Many people started going to a new place called Walt Disney World instead. Because of this, the Rainbow Springs attraction closed in 1974.

Protecting the River

The Rainbow River is very important, and people have worked hard to protect it.

• In 1972, it was named a Registered Natural Landmark.
• In 1986, it became an Aquatic Preserve.
• In 1987, it was called an "Outstanding Florida Waterway."

The state of Florida bought the land that used to be the Rainbow Springs attraction in 1990. Volunteers helped clear up the overgrown park. They opened it to the public on weekends. Finally, the Florida Park Service officially opened Rainbow Springs State Park full-time on March 9, 1995.

Nature at Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park covers a large area of land and water. It has about 1,459 acres (590 hectares) of dry land, including about 100 acres (40 hectares) of wetlands. It also has 12.83 acres (5.2 hectares) of submerged land under the water.

The most important natural feature is the main spring basin. This is where the 400 to 600 million gallons of fresh water flow out each day, forming the Rainbow River. The water is so clear it's like looking through glass!

The river and park are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Visitors can easily see them. The park has 11 different natural areas, including sandhills, flatwoods, and forests.

What You Might See

• Plants: You can see many wildflowers when they are in season. There are also oak, longleaf pine, magnolia, dogwood, redbud, and hickory trees.
• Animals: Keep an eye out for gray squirrels, red-shoulder hawks, swallowtail kites, and barred owls. You might also spot whitetail deer and many different kinds of wading birds.

The park is especially peaceful and quiet in the winter. This makes it a great time for anyone who loves nature. There's also a special room in the visitor center. It has displays about the park's history, nature, and culture.