Rainbow Springs State Park

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Rainbow Springs State Park
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Location	Marion County, Florida, USA
Nearest city	Dunnellon
Area	1,000 acres (4 km²)
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Rainbow Springs State Park is a 1,000 acre (4 km²) Florida State Park located on U.S. 41, three miles north of Dunnellon, Florida.

Contents 1 Geography 2 Ecology 3 Recreational activities and amenities 4 Hours 5 References and external links

[edit] Geography

The Rainbow River flows from Rainbow Springs into the Withlacoochee River.

[edit] Ecology

Among the wildlife of the park are gray squirrels, otter, turtles, alligators and many types of birds. Among the birds are songbirds, hummingbirds, red-shoulder hawks, and swallowtail kites, as well as osprey, barred owls, and various water birds. There is a 2-mile nature trail.

[edit] Recreational activities and amenities

Activities include swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Amenities include a nature trail, a full service campground, a picnic area with pavilions, canoes and kayak rentals, and gardens, as well as access to the Rainbow River. There are also waterfalls and phosphate pits from former open mining activity. There used to be a small zoo complex in the gardens. Some of the facilities still exist but are no longer used. At the entrance there is a small visitor center, shop, snack bar and restrooms, located in an elevated position above Rainbow Springs with a good view along the Rainbow River.

[edit] Hours

Florida state parks are open between 8 A.M. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).

[edit] References and external links

• Rainbow Springs State Park at Florida State Parks
• Rainbow Springs State Park at Absolutely Florida
• Rainbow Springs State Park at Wildernet

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