Additional Information for Rainbow Springs State Park
Plant Life
The park contains 11 distinct natural communities, including sandhill, flatwoods, upland mixed forest, and hydric hammock. Most visitors will see a variety of plants and wildflowers, both native and leftover from the cultural gardens, while wandering the brick and concrete paths. Around February and March, the entire park turns pink and white as thousands upon thousands of azaleas burst into bloom.
If you venture out onto the new nature trail, you will be walking through a more natural Florida environment that will include the hardwoods and pines of hammock and sandhill communities as well as the animals expected to live in such habitats.
Wildlife
Even the casual visitor will spot wildlife such as gray squirrels, red-shoulder hawks, swallowtail kites, osprey, barred owls, a wide variety of water birds, songbirds, otter, turtles and alligators. The gardens are a wonderful attraction for hummingbirds, butterflies and dragonflies, all of nature’s most exquisite jewels. The more adventurous visitor who walks the new nature trail may also see gopher tortoises, whitetail deer, turkey and snakes of many varieties.
Resources
An interpretive room, located in the Visitors’ Center, interprets historical, natural, and cultural resources of the park, including an excellent display depicting springs. This interactive computer program and actual bubbling spring answers every question you might have regarding a spring system and shows the attendant flora and fauna. A gift store selling park-related items and swim items can also be found in the Visitor Center.
Many different Ranger-guided tours and talks are available for larger groups. Please call the park to arrange for this kind of special activity or find out what is already scheduled.
Pets
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
