#100 Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida (100 Natural Wonders of the South)

Rainbow Springs State Park

Our series highlighting 100 Natural Wonders of the South begins with Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida.

This magnificent natural spring flows at an average rate of more than 490 million gallons of water per day. Once the centerpiece of a unique nature-themed amusement park, it is now part of a 1,470 acre state park.

Natural springs are not uncommon in Florida. There are more springs in the Sunshine State than anywhere else in the world. Despite its magnificent size, Rainbow Springs is only the fourth largest in Florida, but its beauty is unsurpassed.



Waterfall at Rainbow Springs

Even more remarkable is the fact that this place of such phenomenal natural scenery was once the center of a phosphate mining district. Called Florida's "white gold" during the early 20th century, phosphate was mined using picks, shovels and eventually mechanical equipment. The time-softened pits of the mining operations can still be seen in areas of the state park.

The mining days gave way to the era of what could best be described as Florida's first commercial eco-tourism amusement park. There were boats with "submarine" viewing windows, monorails running through the forest, manmade waterfalls, a zoo and more. Holiday Inn was a co-owner at one point.

Azalea Garden at Rainbow Springs

The amusement park days are over, but the State of Florida stepped in to save the spring from private development. The manmade waterfalls still flow and azalea gardens still bloom, but much of the land around Rainbow Spring has been carefully returned to its natural state. The result is a beautiful landmark that ranks as #100 on our list of 100 Natural Wonders of the South.

For more information and to see great video from below the surface of the spring, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/rainbowsprings.