Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs, a Jewel of Central Florida
Rainbow Springs, one of the three largest springs in the United States, is a jewel in the Springs Region of Central Florida. Over 400 million gallons of water a day flow from the spring vents at the headwaters and provide 98 percent of the water that flows in the Rainbow River, one of the longest and clearest spring runs in the world. The clarity of the water at the headsprings is over 200 feet (horizontally). This clarity encourages a wide variety of aquatic vegetation and wildlife that feed, breed and flourish in this natural community.
Rainbow Springs can be accessed via Rainbow Springs State Park, four miles north of the City of Dunnellon in Marion County Florida. The park has a swimming area in a section of the headwaters and also rents canoes and kayaks for an excellent paddling experience. The State Park also has a camp ground and a tubing facility with access to the lower portion of the 5.7 mile Rainbow River.
The spring water is so clear that many visitors feel a spiritual association when viewing this magical location. There is historical evidence that it was a gathering place for thousands of years with the discovery of Stone Age tools and mastodon bones in and around the springs.
Except for the roped off swimming area, there is no swimming or motorized water craft allowed in the upper 1700 feet of the river, the main spring area. This has allowed the submerged and emergent vegetation to flourish and provides a protected preserve where all levels of creatures in the food chain can develop in harmony with minimal human impact. The preservation of this zone has created a space where a remarkable variety of wildlife can exist.
Visitors to Rainbow Springs State Park can walk the landscaped trails past waterfalls to a butterfly garden, a woodland nature trail and pasture trail.There are picnic tables in pavilions as well as in shaded tree areas.Kayaks and canoes can be rented in a launch area just beyond the swimming area. There is a small snack bar for refreshment. Several special events are held on weekends that celebrate our Florida heritage, art, woodcarving and the area springs.
The State of Florida has designated the headwaters and river as the Rainbow River Aquatic Preserve. The U.S. Dept. of the Interior has designated Rainbow Springs as a National Natural Landmark. To find out more about Rainbow Springs select the links below or on the photos to the right.
Rainbow Springs Headwaters
The video begins at Rainbow Springs, showing clear blue water with seagrass visible below and a forested shoreline. It then moves underwater, where turtles, fish, and aquatic plants fill the scene, including a diving bird seen both above and below the surface. The video ends with schools of fish moving through dense vegetation and a closing credit screen.
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The video opens with a wide view of Rainbow Springs. Clear blue water reveals seagrass beneath the surface, with a forested shoreline in the background. On-screen text reads “Rainbow Springs Aquatic Community.”
The scene transitions underwater, showing the spring floor with seagrass, rocks, and sand. Close-up views reveal seagrass with small turtles swimming nearby. Fish move among rocks and aquatic plants, including small schools and individual fish.
A long, slender fish swims through the seagrass. A turtle feeds on the grass, while others move past rocks and dense green vegetation. Fish swim between reed-like plants and roots, with deep blue spring water visible above.
The camera briefly returns to the surface, where a bird glides quickly across the water, then dives. The view shifts underwater, showing the bird swimming and hunting beneath the surface.
More reed-like plants appear with larger fish moving among them. The scene returns to the seagrass floor, where schools of fish move together in unison, gliding above the grass in clear blue water. The camera moves closer as the fish swirl and shift direction.
The video ends with fish moving through dense vegetation.
A final still image appears with text reading “Underwater video photography by Tracy Colson,” with photo credit to Stacy Dunn. Music plays throughout the video.
Learn more about Rainbow Springs
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![Child reclining and smiling in a red kayak while an adult sits behind them on calm water]()
Why We Love This Spring
Rainbow Springs gathers wildlife and people at its clear, steady headwaters, where 72 degree water flows year round. It is a place of refreshment, magnificent beauty, and quiet recreation.
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![Three people standing at the edge of a clear blue spring, looking into the water beneath a wooden overlook]()
Know Your Springshed
Discover how Rainbow Springs is formed by multiple spring vents rising through Florida’s karst limestone. Its flow depends on a vast recharge area that feeds the aquifer beneath.
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![Limpkin bird wading in shallow water among tall green grasses with its reflection visible]()
Health & Science
Rising nitrate levels and reduced flow have impaired Rainbow Springs. Increased algae and declining native vegetation reflect impacts from development and groundwater use.
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![People loading bags of collected trash onto a small trailer during a community cleanup under trees]()
Caring for Your Spring
Rainbow Springs is protected through state oversight and active local stewardship. Volunteers and nonprofits lead cleanups, habitat restoration, and education to care for the river.
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![Black and white underwater photo of swimmers surrounded by fish in a spring]()
History
Rainbow Springs has drawn people for thousands of years, leaving traces of early settlement along its clear waters. Its history continues to unfold with each generation that gathers at its headwaters.
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![Crowd gathered at a park pavilion during a community event with people serving drinks]()
News, Events & Public Policy
Volunteers unite for the annual Rainbow River Cleanup, collecting trash by boat, kayak, and canoe. The day ends with awards and a community picnic celebrating stewardship.
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![Misty river scene with a bird perched on a tree branch over the water]()
Groups, Organizations & Resources
Find contacts and research documents related to Rainbow Springs protection and conservation. These are some of the resources that support ongoing restoration and management efforts.
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![Sandra Marraffino photographing from a blue kayak on the Rainbow River]()
About Your Moderator
Paul and Sandra Marraffino moved to Dunnellon after being inspired by Rainbow Springs and all its splendor. Sandra now focuses on bird research and conservation in the region.
Rainbow Springs Maps
Map showing the location of Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida.
Rainbow Springs State Park is located at 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, Florida.
It sits at the headwaters of the Rainbow River, one of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs, flowing over 400 million gallons of water per day.
Known for its crystal-clear spring run, swimming area, kayak and canoe rentals, and scenic nature trails, it offers a truly spectacular natural experience.
View on Google Maps
Map showing public access points along the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.
This map highlights public access points along the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.
Key locations include Rainbow Springs State Park headwaters, K.P. Hole County Park, Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, and Dunnellon City Beach.
Major roads such as SR 40, U.S. 41, CR 484, and SW 180th Avenue are shown for orientation.