Under new ownership, the real heyday for the attraction occurred in the 1960s. ![]() It was also due to the fact that there were some 30 different "Blue Holes" in Florida and this would help visitors find their way! It was during this time that the name was changed to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow River because of the prism of colors visible when the sun's rays shot through the sparkling water. Sea walls, a lodge, gift shop, the waterfalls, and a reptile exhibit were developed. In the 1930s the spring was developed as a tourist attraction. A small community called Juliette flourished near the springs during this "boomtown" era. The springs became popular in the late 1880's when hard rock phosphate was discovered in the area. The crystal clear water, abundant fish, wildlife and vegetation has attracted a number of activities. Since this place has attracted and sustained human inhabitants for over 15,000 years, it is very likely that many other names we will never know once described these waters in terms equally attractive. Wekiwa Creek, Blue Spring, and Blue Run are just some of the names we have assigned this magical body of water. The crystalline waters of Rainbow Springs and Rainbow River have undergone many name changes throughout its history. The Tube Entrance is located 1.4 miles south of the campground Entrance on SW 180th Avenue Road. 180th Avenue Road about two miles north of County Road 484 and two miles south of State Road 40. The Headsprings Entrance is located three miles north of Dunnellon on the east side of U.S. The Campground Entrance with a full-facility campground is about nine miles from the day use area. Tubers can launch at the Tube Entrance on SW 180th Avenue Road. ![]() Tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park. For large gatherings, private pavilions can be reserved. ![]() A picnic area at the spring includes tables, grills, and pavilions. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the headsprings. The Rainbow River is popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. ![]() Rainbow Springs is Florida's fourth largest spring and, from the 1930s through the 1970s, was the site of a popular, privately-owned attraction. Under the BMAP, the nitrogen levels must be reduced over 20 years by prohibiting new septic tanks, connecting lots to central sewer, reducing fertilizer input, employing better irrigation and more. Advocates say the targets are insufficient to curb nitrate levels and are currently appealing for a stronger action plan.Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been using this spring for nearly 10,000 years. The city of Dunnellon will consider an ordinance later this year to limit the number of outsider vendors who can offer tubing and shuttle service along the river. Though flow was recently up due to a rainy summer, it is down around 20% in the long run.įuture: Advocates say intensive farming needs to be discouraged in favor of better practices, the amount of water withdrawn for development needs to be curbed and recreation needs to be limited. Groundwater withdrawals and industrial development also have contributed to reduced flow and a degraded ecosystem. Analysis found that 20% of nitrogen loading to groundwater in the area was caused by septic systems, 13% from urban and sports fertilizer use and 54% from livestock waste, including horse and cattle farms, and farm fertilizer.
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