The kids and I went tubing down the Rainbow river but we got shuttled back before we reached the actual springs themselves. When a few friends and I went to kayak the Weeki Wachee we ended up staying at a bed & breakfast in Dunnellon and drove past the sign for the Rainbow Springs State Park. We decided to go in and check it out. The entrance fee was only $2/per person and there was no charge for parking. We arrived just as they were cleaning up to close up for the day so we didn't get to do swimming or kayaking but we were able to walk around a little and check it out. We were told by the park ranger that there was a lot of history at this state park and it didn't become a state park until 1996 when the citizens of Dunnellon wanted to slow down the rate of development. Apparently this park used to have a zoo, rodeo and air trams that have been shut down but some of their remnants have stayed behind. There were three waterfalls that were man made but that definitely did not take away from their beauty. You can come to swim in the spring, which is always a brisk 72.4 degrees or take a ride on a kayak or canoe. Prices are just $10/hour no matter if you are a single or have 3 people in a canoe. Unlike most of the parks that I have been to this had quite a bit of things to see and explore away from the river such as a nature trail and butterfly gardens.Rainbow Springs is the fourth largest springs in the state of Florida and I would suggest coming here to explore if you have a few hours to kill. The kids and I will be back to kayak through this beautiful area.
Seminole Falls
Rainbow Falls
For more information check out their website - http://www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings/default.cfm
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