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Peaceful Troy Spring picnic area. Troy Spring State Park is located on the banks of the beautiful and historic Suwannee River. The crystal clear waters of the spring offer ideal swimming in both deep or shallow waters. The Old Log Cabin Visitor Center provides an excellent view overlooking the spring, information about the park and an activity room for children.
Troy Spring State Park
Wreckage of the Civil War-era steamship, Madison. The bottom ribs of the Madison are still visible in the spring run today.
Before Troy Spring became a state park, boaters gathered on hot summer afternoons to enjoy the spring. Boaters at Troy
Swimmers at Troy Spring in 1968. Swimmers, 1968
A diver examining the wreckage of the steamship, Madison. Diver, 1950s
A diver enjoying the depths of Troy Spring. Diver, 1950
A great family place, then and now. Troy Spring, 1958

History and Culture

Troy Spring was purchased by the state of Florida in 1995. Prior to that time, Troy Spring was only accessible by boat. The spring is the historic site of what remains of the steamship, the Madison. Built in the mid 1850s, the Madison served as a floating mail service and trading post. In 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War, it was used by the Confederate forces as a privateer and jerry-rigged gunboat. In 1863, it was scuttled in the spring, upon the order of its owner, to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands. Today, some of the metal spikes and the remnant keel rib timbers that were part of its hull can be seen below the spring surface.

Before Troy Spring became a state park, boaters gathered on hot summer afternoons to enjoy the spring.

Boaters at Troy

Many people still remember when they could drive their boats all the way into Troy Spring to enjoy fishing, swimming, diving and the company of others. For many years, Troy Spring was only accessible by boat or by navigating dirt roads and cow pasture gates. Today, boaters can still enter the park from the river boat dock; however, a paved entrance road has become the more popular access route.

Swimmers at Troy Spring in 1968.

Swimmers, 1968

Troy Spring has always been a great place to swim, even before it became a state park. Swim suit styles have changed and there is easier access to the spring, but Troy is still the same beautiful oasis it has always been. Many of the rocks and trees in the photo can still be seen today, and many whe played here as children are not teaching their children to swim at Troy Spring.

A diver examining the wreckage of the steamship, Madison.

Diver, 1950s

Scuba divers and snorkelers have always enjoyed Troy Spring. The historic wreckage of the steamship Madison has been safely nestled in the spring run since 1863 when it was scuttled to keep it out of Union hands during the Civil War. The ribs of the 120 foot-long steamship can still be seen today.

A diver enjoying the depths of Troy Spring.

Diver, 1950

Scuba divers and free divers come to Troy Spring to enjoy its incredible depth. Divers can plunge 70 to 80 feet below the surface of the water in the deepest part of the spring. For decades dive instructors have been bringing their open water students to Troy Spring to enjoy the scenery and serenity.

A great family place, then and now.

Troy Spring, 1958

Then and now, families arrive in boats or cars to enjoy Troy Spring. A perfect summer day here includes a swim in the cool, clear water, a big picnic lunch in the shade of an oak tree, the company of good friends and family, and some time fishing on the riverbank.