Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon, Florida
Whoever believe in Me, as Scripture has said rivers of living water will flow from within them. ~ John 7:38
Blaine fixed our water pressure problem this morning! It was one of those things that just gradually got worse and worse over months. But no more! He emailed Holiday Rambler for the plumbing schematics and asked for advice, and then went outside and presto-change-o! Pressure! I’m sooooo happy!
It was time to go check out the Park side of the Rainbow Springs State Park. The only way to get there from the campground is by boat or driving. We drove. And Blaine took the scenic route so we could check out the area (grocery stores, etc.). Normally, it’s about 1 ½ miles to drive there.
It sure is a different place from Silver Springs. When the State opened it in the 1990’s, they kept many of the touristy things that had been in place, like the man-made waterfalls and the gardens. There are also still remnants of the rodeo barn and the zoo. There’s also tubing and swimming and snorkeling here. We’re thinking there won’t be much wildlife, and certainly nothing like what we experienced at Silver Springs! But it’s beautiful here as well, just in a different way.
Here’s what they have to say for themselves:
Rainbow Springs has served as an important natural resource for humans and animals for many years. At one time, mastodon and mammoth fossils were found in the Rainbow River, along with relics of the American Indians who used the river for transportation and fishing. Much later, in the early 20th century, the surrounding area was mined for phosphate. The new industry brought a boom and the towns of Juliette and Dunnellon were founded. Juliette, once located on what is now park property, no longer exists.
In the 1930s, Rainbow Springs became a privately owned theme park. Most freshwater springs tourist attractions around Florida offered some form of glass bottom boat ride. But at Rainbow Springs the distinctive sub-boats (1930s – 1970s) had stairs that went below the waterline and visitors could look out at eye level. Waterfalls were built on piles of phosphate tailings, and a zoo, rodeo, gift shops and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas were also added.
The development of the interstate highway system in Florida eventually led to the demise of Rainbow Springs. The interstate passed by the small towns that hosted such attractions and newer, modern attractions in Orlando drew many away from the older parks. By 1974, Rainbow Springs was closed.
It reopened as a state park in the 1990s. The citizens that supported the acquisition of the park soon formed the park’s Citizen Support Organization, called Friends of Rainbow Springs. This organization led the way in opening the park by physically clearing paths and bringing life back to the gardens and other features.
Today, the Rainbow River is a designated National Natural Landmark, an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Water. The park consists of more than 1,470 acres and has three main entrances: the “headsprings” day use area, the tubing facilities and the campground. Visitors from around Florida and the world visit Rainbow Springs State Park to swim in the crystal clear water, tube down the peaceful Rainbow River, and enjoy picnicking with their families.
We skipped lunch, and instead opted for – – well I don’t know what to call it – – lupper? We ate at 1:30pm. We’d stopped at Publix (the local grocery store) and they had rib eyes on sale, so we decided to give them a try. They were the best steaks we’ve had in a very long time! Tender, juicy and the flavor! And Blaine grilled them to a perfect state of medium.
The little dog gives it some perspective. : )
FYI – the Danes are the same type of dog that bit my hand 15 years ago.
Later, while I struggled with learning the new blog technology, Blaine went for bike ride and saw a bear!! An actual Florida Black Bear! Or so he says . . . He refused to take his phone with him, so there’s no proof. His excuse? It wouldn’t have been a good picture anyway. Hmmmm . . . . I don’t know. Should we believe him? I guess they should think twice about taking down the ‘Bear Aware’ sign now. 😊
NOTE: I asked Blaine to wait to publish these last four days because I was still working out the new blog stuff. There are still a few things that I will have to call the company about tomorrow. So anyway, just be aware – there are four days all together, if you’re interested in keeping track of every day.