Rainbow Sprngs State Park can be found along the US 41, just north of Dunnellon, Florida.
There are three main areas to the park; the headsprings, which this post focuses on, the tubing entrance and the campground.
At the headsprings area, visitors are able to swim in the crystal blue freshwater springs, kayak, picnic, view waterfalls and enjoy a stroll through a butterfly garden.

When your birthday falls the day after Christmas it can be a little underwhelming! When you live in Florida and your zen place to be is beside a waterfall, it can be a little hard to achieve that zen.
Rainbow Springs State Park made me a happy lady on my birthday this year, my only wish was that we had reseached and prepared better to have then enjoyed the full scope of the facilities better!
We went expecting to view some waterfalls and the two hour drive was worth it just for that BUT…..had we researched better we would have taken a picnic, our swimming gear and probably tried to borrow a couple of kayaks. There is so much to do in this park other than just enjoy some gorgeous scenery!

Parking was very easy, there is a very large parking area from where you walk to the pay station to enter the park. Walking around all the areas again, is very easy. It is wheelchair accessible throughout, the paths are all paved and well kept. Some small inclines but nothing at all strenuous (hey, this is Florida!). The grassy areas, flower beds and all the recreational areas are all tidy, clear of litter and very well kept.

The Park itself ecompasses the 4th largest natural springs in Florida and the sheer size and crystlline blue quality of the water willl take your breath away at first sight……..

As you enter, you have a choice to go left for the waterfalls or right for the swimming and kayaking. Of course, our first choice was for the waterfalls!
Now, I had to accept that all the falls in the park are manmade, unsure quite what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised but a little disappointed when we came across the first falls. Very pictueresque but really just akin to a large domestic water feature.

Moving on up the path, my ears pricked at the sound of something more like I enjoy from a waterfall. The sight and sound of powerful water in motion as it cascades down from a great height….this was more like I was here to see!

Turning the corner again, we were even more amazed by the next spectacular falls;

My day was made just in this area of the park, but it has so much more to offer!
The walk that we took was a leisurely stroll through shady gardens of azalea, oaks and magnolias. If I had been prepared and come ready to hike, that park does offer an approximate 2 mile round trail, Sandhill Trail, which is well signposted and easily accessible from the far end of the park.
After getting my fill of waterfalls, we strolled back towards the swimming and kayakking area. The path meanders along the waters edge and there are benches strategically placed to sit and rest a while while enjoying the perfect views as well as new boardwalks that lead out over the water for a better view where you can appreciate the vastness of the headsprings and see right to the bottom of the waters.

Arriving at the swimming area I was super mad at myself! I would have loved to have joined the folks there who were splashing around and enjoying the waters! The signs indicate that the water temp is 72 degrees year round.

Additional facilities at the park include adequate and clean rest rooms and changing areas.
There are pavilions that may be rented for parties or larger picnics.
For the $2 entrance fee, this park is truly great value and you could easily make a full day out of being here.