Ichetucknee Springs State Park

If there is one attraction we at Magnolia Plantation love recommending more than anything else near Gainesville, FL, it would be Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

The park is centered around the Ichetucknee River, an incredibly pure river created by nine natural springs in the area. The wooded areas are also home to a wide variety of wildlife native to land, air, and water.

Ichetucknee Springs is an easy day trip you can make during your stay in Gainesville, FL. . Let’s dive into some of the best activities available.

Tubing on the River

Tubing on the river is by far the most popular year-round activity at the state park. Ichetucknee River is essentially one large, natural “lazy river”, without the cramped feeling you get from the throng of people you’d find at a water park. This is aided by the fact the park has a daily capacity of 3,750 tubers.

The turquoise river has a gentle current, allowing you to relax as you enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife. Some portions of the river take you under a forest canopy, where the nearby cypress, maple, and oak trees provide cooling shade.

The length of the tubing adventure depends on where you start. The closest landing to the visitor’s center is Dampier’s Landing, which offers an hour’s journey to South Takeout Point. Midpoint Tube Launch, located further north, allows you the option of an hour’s journey to Dampier’s Landing or a two-hour trip to South Takeout Point.

Rentals and Transportation

While you can bring your own tubes into the park, it can be much easier to rent your tubes from the General Store. The available tubes for rent vary, from traditional single tubes to rafts.

Once you have your tube and have chosen your launch point, you can walk or take the tram to your tubing destination. We highly recommend purchasing a tram wristband during your time at Ichetucknee State Park, as it makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

Ichetucknee Springs Kayaking and Paddling

If you are looking for a more active way to get out onto the river, there are paddling and kayaking experiences available. 

Going on a paddling excursion allows you to start further up the river than you normally would, near Head Springs. Guests can paddle up to 9 miles, depending on trip preference. There is even an option to paddle upstream from Dampier’s Landing for more of a workout.

Rentals for canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks are available at the park. We strongly recommend that you reserve your trip ahead of time, as there is a strict 100 ‘boat’ daily limit in place.

Swimming in the Springs

Two of the springs at Ichetucknee are open for swimmers: Head Springs and Blue Hole Springs.

The Head Springs is a family favorite swimming hole. The area features shallow edges that lead into deeper crevices. The water is cool year round, providing sweet relief from the balmy Florida weather. In addition, guests can enjoy nearby picnic tables and a seasonal food truck that parks nearby.

Blue Hole Spring is beloved by more experienced swimmers. The deep, cyan waters are cool and inviting, staying at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. There is a much stronger current at this location, so you may want to avoid this location if you aren’t confident in your swimming abilities.

Birding and Wildlife Watching

You don’t have to get out onto the water to have an exciting day at Ichetucknee Springs. The area is filled with an abundant array of wildlife for the keen eye to spot. Manatees, turtles, river otters, and gopher tortoises are among the many species that call the springs home.

Birding enthusiasts will love the diversity of birds in the area, which include:

• American kestrel
• Northern bobwhite
• Eastern wild turkey
• Barred owl
• Red-headed Woodpecker
• Bachman’s sparrow

In addition, numerous small species that make their home in the area, including the Ichetucknee Siltsnail, as well as a host of butterflies.

Stay at the Magnolia Plantation

After your adventures at Ichetucknee Springs, come back and relax at our historical bed and breakfast, The Magnolia Plantation. We offer a wide range of lodging options, each restored to combine the unique architectural style of the property with modern amenities to enhance your stay.

Browse our accommodations and book your next stay today.