History

Originally opening in 1958 as a private park, Gilchrist Blue Springs Park has always been a popular local recreation spot.

On June 14, 2017, Florida's 45th Governor, Rick Scott, and Cabinet officials approved the acquisition of the 407-acre Blue Springs parcel including numerous natural springs and one mile of frontage along the Santa Fe River. The property was purchased from Blue Springs Properties Inc., which has managed it as a private park and campground, known as Blue Springs Park, since 1958.

On Oct. 30, 2017, Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park officially opened as Florida's 175th state park.

Gilchrist Blue offers visitors incredible resource-based recreation opportunities while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources.