Over the years the place has undergone many different names such as Wekiwa Creek, Blue Spring and Blue run. Some people say the place is magical but really its just what it is beautiful and has attracted habitats for 15,000 years if not more. The area has nothing but crystal clear water, wildlife, beautiful vegetation and many large fish. Of course at one time before it was an attraction the Seminoles called this Wekiwa Creek. Like most springs this was the site of a nearby Indian village as well so that in itself is what makes the place historical in significance to its original use. 

In the 1880s hard rock phosphate was discovered in the area and a small community called Juliette flourished near the springs. That area became a settlement or what perhaps is more like a once existing ghosttown. Phosphate mining was pretty big in central Florida around this time. 

In the 1930s the spring was developed to be used as a tourist attraction hence the lodge, gift shops, waterfalls, and sea walls being developed. In addition to that a reptile exhibit was also built and you will see photos from that exhibit which we found hidden in the woods near the Butterfly garden. Of course that exhibit is pretty eerie now bent metal....ripped fences...overgrown fauna etc. It reminded me of the movie Jurassic Park a little bit lol.

At that time the place was called Rainbow River & Rainbow Springs because a prism of colors was visible when the suns rays shot through the sparkling water here. Not only that but there was also some 30 different blue holes like this one in Florida and the rainbow would help visitors find their way. 

In the 1960s new ownership had taken place and the attractions were magnified here. The springs had glass bottom boat tours, riverboat rides, a cafe, aviary, leaf shaped gondola ride, monorail system, a submarine boat tour, rodeo, and log raft ride. However when the express way was built it caused alot of people to be diverted towards Disney World in the early 70s and hence the Rainbow Springs Attraction closed in 1974.

The area became a natural landmark in 1972 despite the attractions closing and an Aquatic Preserve in 1986 and an outstanding Florida waterway in 1987. The state purchased this area in 1990 made it a state park clearing out the vegetation surrounding the springs and opened the park up on the weekends in 1993. Then in 1995 it opened fulltime. 

Today many people come here to canoe...swim...and hike. I was very lucky to have visited the site when they had a Christmas Festival so I got to see the entire springs lit up with xmas lights and decor. Its a really pretty exotic place and so I bring to you Rainbow Springs!

© By

Lord Rick