Blue Spring Florida

I have to say that I really love living in Florida. There are definitely many things to do here such as Disney, Sea World, Busch Gardens and many other attractions that draw people to Florida. I however am in love with the Natural Beauty of Florida. My favorite part about living here is that there is so much beauty everywhere you turn if you just take the time to look around you and enjoy it.

I have made several trips to Blue Spring, and I never get bored with seeing the pure beauty that nature has given us. When I visit places such as Blue Springs I get completely lost in the beauty that is all around. It is very easy to lose track of time, especially when you are in a place that seems like time does not exist.

I took my daughter to Blue Spring not to long ago and I am very thankful that she loves everything about nature as I do. After our visit that is when I decided to make this lens, so that I could share this beautiful place with you. I really hope you enjoy your visit!!

Blue Spring is a first magnitude spring that discharges 104 million gallons of water daily into the St. Johns River. Blue Spring State Park is a picturesque getaway along the St. Johns River just west of Orange City in central Florida.

Driving Directions: Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17/92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue.

For hundreds of years the Timacuan Indians made the spring area their home. The spring run, river and surrounding swamps and uplands provided food, clothing, shelter and materials for tools and weapons. Snails gathered from sandbars were a staple food. Over the centuries the discarded shells formed a massive mound. Three years after England acquired Florida from Spain, John Bartram, a prominent British botanist, explored the St. Johns in search of resources of value to the Crown. On Jan. 4, 1766, he rowed his boat past stunning alligators into the clear water of Blue Spring. He appreciated the "admirable fountain" but objected to the water's "most disagreeable taste." Gold Rush prospector turned orange grower Louis Thursby purchased Blue Spring in 1856. He built his 3-story house atop a large Indian midden in 1872. Before the railroad rolled through in the 1880's, Thursby's Blue Spring Landing was a hotbed of steamboat activity, shipping tourists and goods to Jacksonville and beyond. Mrs. Thursby was Orange City's first post mistress.

Years later, in 1971, "The Forgotten Mermaids" episode of the Underwater World of Jacques Cousteau was filmed here. The documentary brought attention to the manatee and the importance of Blue Spring as a winter refuge, greatly influencing the state's decision to purchase the land.

Blue Spring State Park is the winter home to more than 200 manatees. Tucked within 2,644 acres of natural Florida. Blue Spring is the habitat for at least 15 threatened or endangered plants and animals, a lagoon, a north flowing river and a first magnitude spring. Blue Spring State Park literally overflows with diversity.

The park is the winter refuge for the West Indian manatee (otherwise known as the Florida Manatee), home to the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, black bear and one of only two known locations for the Okeechobee gourd. Look for herons and other wading birds near the water.

The clear spring run displays the flashing scales of gar and sunfish, while swimming turtles can be seen from 50 feet away. Listen for frog calls, gaze at a basking alligator or catch a glimpse of elusive migratory birds.

Stroll along the one third mile boardwalk that follows the flowing Blue Spring run through a shady hardwood hammock. In the winter watch manatees (mid November through March) swim, rest and play in the warm 72 degree waters. Enjoy a short interpretive video about the manatees of Blue Spring.

In the summer join the fun: swim, tube, snorkel or dive in the crisp 72 degree spring waters. Sunbathe on the lawn, picnic or barbeque with friends. Reserve any of our three covered pavilions for family reunions, school groups and private functions.

Visitors staying in the Sand Pine Scrub campground or a cabin can bicycle or walk to the spring, or take a long hike through the woods. There are 51 campsites equipped with water, electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring and 6 fully equipped cabins. A primitive campsite is located near the St. Johns River at the end of the 4.5 mile one way Pine Island hiking trail.

To explore the river further, rent a canoe or kayak, take a kayak tour or experience native plants and wildlife on a 2 hour river cruise.

Take a self guided tour through the historical Louis Thursby House.

Rentals, a gift shop, food and beverages are located at the park concession.

Boat Tours: St. Johns river Cruises and Tours. This is a 2 hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the beautiful and historic St. Johns River. See the Real Florida...naturally.

Cabins: The park offers six 2 bedroom cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (available to use November through March), central heating and air conditioning, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, screened in porch, outdoor grill and picnic table. Linens, pillows, blankets, towels, cooking and eating utensils are also provided.

Canoeing & Kayaking: You are invited to canoe beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St. Johns River. Canoes may be rented at the Park Concession.

Camping Facilities: The park has 51 campsites, which are located in the sand pin scrub. Available to each site is a table, water, electricity, and a grill. Pets are permitted in the camping area, with proof of rabies vaccination.

Blue Spring State Park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged 4 to 9. From manatees to insects, the Lending Library is a fun way to enhance your child's experience in the Real Florida. For a quiet afternoon or bedtime, share a story with your child to help explain the sights and sound of Blue Spring. Ask the Ranger Station about how to check out a book.

Nature Trails: The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest residents still can be seen today. A self guided boardwalk guides visitors through a lunch hammock to Blue Spring.

Swimming: Blue Spring offers swimming and scuba diving in a crystal clear, 72 degree spring run. Swimming or diving with the manatees is NOT permitted.

For More Information On St. Johns River Cruises Just Click Above

The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida's earliest residents still can be seen today. A self guided boardwalk leads visitors through a lush hammock to Blue Spring.

The spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming, it's a place that plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida's most harassed residents, the manatee. An observation platform provides a view of the endangered mammals that gather at the spring during the cooler months of the year.

With the onset of cooler weather and lower water temperatures in the St. Johns River; manatee sighting in and around Blue Spring are on the upswing. As we get further into the winter season, park visitors will be able to see manatees frequenting the Blue Spring run on almost a daily basis to stay warm. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees; creating a safe haven for the West Indian Manatee. The best time to view manatees is early in the morning on a cold winter day.

Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring run is closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving and boating from mid November through March 1.

Blue Spring Boil by flipflopnana
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