Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

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Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

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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 Interior 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.

10/31/2026

Don't feel like swimming?
Go hiking!

The only reports of mosquitoes are by the retention pond at the top of the waterfalls.
The trails seem pretty safe.

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween..!🎃

10/29/2026

mid-week can be relaxing on the river for everyone, including one of our gators...(as long as you keep your distance) 😉

10/03/2026

This year's Evening Concert Series gets underway starting in November! It'll be held on the second Thursday of the month.
Overlooking the Headsprings. Some tables and seating provided on the veranda, plus you can bring your own. Concessions will be open, no outside food or beverages, dogs allowed on leash.
(No reservations needed after 6:30)

09/25/2026

October 4th is a Great day to go for a hike at the Park! Make sure to get your reservations in for that day to come.

09/22/2026

Happy first day of fall from the State Archives of Florida!

Celebrate the beginning of the season with this 1941 photo from Rainbow Springs featuring a peacoat-clad visitor looking out at the Rainbow River in 1941.

Rainbow Springs is a first-magnitude spring formation, producing over 400 million gallons of water daily. It is the source of the Rainbow River, which empties into the Withlacoochee River.

Rainbow Springs opened as a private tourist attraction in 1937. In the early 1940s, glass-bottom boat captain-in-training Dave Edwards hatched the idea to add a submerged lower floor to the park’s tour boats, which allowed visitors to see the vibrant freshwater habitat at eye level. These submarine boats became a major selling point for the roadside attraction, accompanied by poetic narrations from guides like “Skipper” Manning Lockett. Recordings of Lockett and his fellow guides were sold in the Rainbow Springs gift shop and are now available for streaming on Florida Memory.

Rainbow Springs closed in 1974. Following acquisition by the State of Florida and a volunteer-led cleanup, it re-opened as Rainbow Springs State Park in 1995, with a focus on historic interpretation, conservation and quiet recreation.

Visit Florida Memory to explore more photos of visitors enjoying the state’s roadside attractions during the cooler months.✴️

📷8 x 8 inch black and white photoprint. Reference collection. State Archives of Florida, Image RC08479.

08/29/2026

This!!!!

08/28/2026

More improvements underway😎

06/16/2026

Dear Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park Members,

Are you looking for a rewarding way to support our beautiful park, spend time in nature and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts? We are currently seeking volunteers for several opportunities throughout the park, including:

Boat Patrol
Gift Shop
Office Assistance
Special Events
One of the best things about volunteering with us is the flexibility. Whether you can help every day, one day a week, one day a month, or just a few times a year, we would love to have you on our team. We appreciate any amount of time you are able to contribute.

Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals ages 16 and older. No matter your experience level, there is a place for you to make a difference, use your talents while supporting the park and its visitors.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to become a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Matt Seminera at 352-465-8518 for additional information.

Thank you for your continued support of Rainbow Springs State Park. We look forward to welcoming you as part of our volunteer family!

Sincerely,
Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park

Address

19164 SW 81st Place Rd
Dunnellon, FL
34432

Telephone

+13524658555

Website

http://www.friendsofrainbowsprings.org/

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