Enjoying Ichetucknee Springs
Unforgettable, aquamarine, crystal-clear springs converge to create the Ichetucknee River which is a natural phenomenon that runs for six miles and contributes close to 233 million gallons of spring water to northwest Florida’s Santa Fe River annually. The springs and river were used by early cultures of Indians (Ichetucknee is an Indian word meaning “beaver pond”), but going back thousands of years bones and teeth of mastodon and other extinct animals have been found in and alongside the river.
About one mile downstream from the head spring of the river, a 17th-century Spanish mission site has been identified in the park next to a short tributary connecting Fig Springs to the Ichetucknee River. San Martin de Timucua, built in 1608. It was one of the major interior missions serving the important Spanish settlement of St. Augustine and flourished through most of that century.
Kayak rentals at the springs.
Though it was still considered part of the wild frontier, following the War Between the States, many settlers moved into the area because of the great water supply. By the late 1880s, the town was named Fort White and it had more than 2,000 residents, who became involved in industries like phosphate mining, citrus, growing and cotton.
The Ichetucknee River became the life blood of the communities and settlers who used the river to swim, bathe, hunt, fish and worship. However, by 1970, people no longer lived along the river, so the State of Florida bought the springs from the Loncala Corporation and turned Ichetucknee Springs into a State Park to preserve one of the state’s outstanding natural wonders.
Although many visitors first hear about Ichetucknee Springs State Park thanks to its great tubing opportunities, there’s so much more to see and explore. This 2,669-acre expanse features eight major crystal-clear springs that merge to form the Ichetucknee River, making it a haven for wildlife and ideal for numerous other outdoor adventures. These include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, river tubing, swimming, snorkeling and hiking. They also offer monthly programs such as moonlit paddles and guided history tours.
Manatees on the move in the springs.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck and limpkin find a home. As the weather cools down, slow-moving manatees and their calves munch on the park’s lush aquatic vegetation. The best time of year to see these gentle giants in the park is generally from October through March. In January, schools of gar fish gather in the river and springs to spawn under the glow of the full moon.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park stands as a pristine natural sanctuary that is best known for its crystal-clear springs. Nevertheless before your visit, go to the website at floridastateparks.org to familiarize yourself with everything Ichetucknee Springs has to offer, where to go and watch for alerts. Preparing before your visit saves time, reduces the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar place and prevents unpleasant surprises.
Out of the 175 state parks, historic sites and trails throughout Florida, few can compare to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Not only is this state park nationally recognized for its pristine spring-fed river, but it’s also one of the only places in Florida boasting an underwater cave. It is Florida’s top tubing river and it stays a cool 72 degrees year-round. Parkgoers can spend lazy days drifting under cypress trees while looking for manatees, gators, turtles or wading birds as they float. Whether tubing, paddling or snorkeling in its unique waterways, or hiking the miles of trails, Ichetucknee Springs is a magical park to explore both on foot or in the water!
Photo: by Bill Vanderford
