Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

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Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

Join the Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park Today-become a member to show support or join to Volunteer and get involved! In 1972, the U.S.

In the 1920s, this spring was a favorite spot for tourists and locals. As the attraction grew, the river was dredged for glass bottom boat tours; and waterfalls were built on piles of phosphate tailings. A zoo, rodeo, gift shops and a monorail with leaf-shaped gondolas were added. In the mid-1970s, when larger theme parks lured the tourists away, Rainbow Springs was closed. Department of the Inter

ior designated Rainbow River as a National Natural Landmark. It is also an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Water. In the mid-1990s, it reopened as a state park due largely to a group of Volunteers that would become the Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park. The organized volunteer effort at Rainbow Springs State Park began in 1990 immediately following the purchase of the site of the former commercial attraction. Volunteers cleaned the garden of more than 15 years of debris and did repairs to make existing facilities usable. In 1992 the volunteers were allowed to open the Park on a weekend only basis with the understanding that they would initiate the incorporation of a group based on a state sanctioned program for a Park CSO or "Citizen Support Organization" in order to raise funds. The corporation became a reality in 1993 as FORS or "The Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park, Inc.". The weekend operation, facility rehabilitation and the introduction of fundraising events called "Santa Livingroom" and the Annual Benefit Golf Event were early efforts of the volunteers. The work of the volunteers was merged with a basic Florida Park Service staff to make full time park operations possible in 1995. The original cadre of supporters has grown from some 30 volunteers to almost 200 FORS members, many of whom are active volunteers. The volunteers continue to be an integral part of the Park, contributing over 15,000 hours annually. A substantial percentage of that time is in areas of visitor services such as the gift shop, food concession and special events. These activities along with donations, grants, and membership dues provide the funding for projects in the park which could not be accomplished within the state budget. FORS supports a variety of Park needs including the construction and operation of a greenhouse, providing educational materials and activities, and donating the materials for various facility improvements. The construction of a large multi-use pavilion was made possible in 1997 through a matching grant by the Felburn Foundation for Environmental Education.

05/16/2026

05/01/2026

Hope you have your reservations in for Saturday May2nd at Rainbow Springs State Park our reservation system has worked so well that we are already full. We will be reopening spaces through the day so make sure you set your notifications on your account so you will be notified when a space opens!

04/21/2026

https://mailchi.mp/marionfl.org/mandatory-burn-ban-in-effect-for-marion-county-um9jebcg2y?e=d0fac8dc57

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has issued a countywide mandatory burn ban effective as of 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20. This action reflects increasingly hazardous environmental conditions of relatively low humidity and a forecast of high, sustained winds over the next 7 to 10 days......

04/15/2026

This may answer some of your questions about the day use reservation system:

Beginning April 29, 2026, all visitors to Rainbow Springs State Park, including Florida State Parks annual passholders, pedestrians and cyclists, must have a reservation to enter the park’s Main Entrance.

04/14/2026

We’ve got some Important News to pass along, that will help to address and resolve issues associated with limited Parking here at the Park!
Starting later this month, you’ll be able (and Required) to make a simple Reservation in order to enter the Park.
This will make it easier to guarantee a parking space, no matter how far you’re traveling from, or what time of day you’ll be getting here. 🌞

03/31/2026

So, as warmer weather approaches, here’s a quick reminder from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.
(Click on pic to see it all)
This Should answer many questions we get from visitors. The Rainbow River is one of a kind and we’d like to keep it that way 😎
Hope to see you soon!

03/16/2026

The Rainbow Springs State Park (RSSP) Gift Shop is currently seeking volunteers to assist from May 15 through September 15. The Gift Shop is operated by volunteers, and all profits directly benefit the park.

Available shifts include:

- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Hours may be extended based on volunteer availability)

Volunteer tasks involve assisting cashiers with bagging, restocking merchandise, removing labels from swim noodles, answering basic visitor questions, and performing light cleaning such as dusting or sweeping.

If you are interested in giving back to the park and meeting visitors from around the world, please let us know your availability.
email: [email protected]

For more information on volunteering, you can also visit

Opportunities are diverse – volunteers can greet visitors, conduct tours, help at special events, remove exotic plants or maintain a beach, waterway or trail.

03/15/2026

Our final Evening Music Series for the season is coming up this Thursday, March 19th from 6-8pm!
We’re featuring a terrific duo on their “South for the Winter” tour, The Kennedys!
Pete & Maura have been together 30 years, with 17 albums, featuring a blend of Country, Western Swing, Folk & Pop.
Tickets are $10, ($5, if you have a current “Friends of Rainbow Springs” membership card.) There are some tables and chairs on the veranda, overlooking the Headsprings, & you can bring your own chairs as well. Pets are allowed on leash.
The Gift Shop and Concessions will be open, no outside coolers please.
Head into the weekend a little early with a great night of music! 🎶

02/19/2026

Good Morning! 🌞
From the swim dock…

(Photo: Greg Ritchie)

Address

19164 SW 81st Place Rd
Dunnellon, FL
34432

Telephone

+13524658555

Website

http://www.friendsofrainbowsprings.org/

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