Rainbow Springs is the focal point of Rainbow Springs State Park. The spring formation is the fourth-largest in Florida, and produces over 490 million gallons of water daily. Rainbow Springs forms the headwaters of the Rainbow River, which empties into the Withlacoochee River.
Why is it called Rainbow Springs? Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River became popular in the late 1880s when hard rock phosphate was discovered in the area. A small community called Juliette flourished near the springs during this « boomtown » era. In the 1930s the spring was developed as a tourist attraction.
Then, How many springs are in the Rainbow River? Rainbow Springs consists of twelve named vents that discharge groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer System at a combined historic average discharge of more than 485 million gallons per day (MGD), making it one of the largest first magnitude spring systems in Florida.
What is the Rainbow River called? The Caño Cristales river in La Macarena, Colombia is dubbed the “River of Five Colors” and “Liquid Rainbow” because of the many colors you can see below the clear waters.
FAQ
What did the Seminole Indians call the Rainbow Springs?
History. Rainbow Springs was known as Wekiwa Creek by the Seminole Indians.
Why are there no manatees in Rainbow River? Are there manatees in the Rainbow River? No, there is an old lock system on the waterway between the Rainbow River and the Gulf of Mexico. Because that system is no longer used, manatees cannot travel to the Rainbow River. The last sighting of a manatee in the area was in the mid 1990’s.
How cold is Rainbow Springs water? The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are incredibly refreshing to swim in. The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 5 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
Are there alligators in Rainbow Springs? Are there alligators in the Rainbow River? Yes the Rainbow river is a natural body of water that fish, birds, and reptiles call home.
Can you drink at Rainbow Springs?
Alcohol is not permitted. Coolers are subject to search. Rainbow River, items must be in reusable containers. Divers and snorkelers are required to float a « diver-down » flag.
How cold is the water at Rainbow Springs? The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are incredibly refreshing to swim in. The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 5 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
Can you swim at Rainbow Springs?
Visitors may feel that the waters truly do have healing properties after a dip in the cool 72-degree waters. Since the water stays at this temperature year-round, it is perfect for swimming in the hot summer months.
Why is Rainbow River purple? The colors are produced during the reproductive process of the aquatic plants in the river, which are called Macarenia clavigera, a species of the riverweed family Podostemaceae. During the wet season, the river runs fast and high, meaning the sun cannot hit the riverbed’s plants.
What is the water temperature at Rainbow Springs?
The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 5 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
How much water does Rainbow Springs make each day?
The Rainbow Springs run is one of the largest spring runs in the world. It averages a discharge of more than 400 million gallons of water per day.
Was Rainbow Springs a zoo? 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.
Are there alligators in Rainbow Springs park? There are alligators around at times, but not in the swimming area. If you kayak down the river, you probably would see one. The kayak rentals probably close at 5 pm.
Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Springs?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Rainbow Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times, and they are not allowed to enter the water, including headsprings, swim areas, river and ponds.
Does Rainbow Springs provide life jackets? There are no tubes, rafts, or balls allowed in the swimming area, but you may use pool noodles and/or life jackets.
What magnitude is Rainbow Springs?
The first magnitude spring system that forms the Rainbow River has an average discharge rate of 763 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 493 million gallons per day (mgd) and is one of 33 first magnitude spring systems in the State.
Are there snakes in Rainbow Springs? No snakes…. lots of birds around though. over a year ago.
Are there snakes in Rainbow River?
Tip: if you choose to head down river beyond the designated swimming area be aware that there are some varieties of snakes that you make encounter, as well as alligators. The Rainbow River does have gators in it.
Are there sharks in Rainbow River? Sadly, since the river is dammed, there’s no Manatees anymore (or Bull sharks, for the extreme divers!). And before you ask, I didn’t see any alligators either (but occasionally, small ones are spotted, but they want nothing to do with you). Larry cracked open a clam for the bluegills. Here’s one taking away the catch.
