Blue Spring State Park is a
state parkState parks are parks or other protected areas of the United States and in Mexico for an area of land preserved on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, recreation, or other reason, and under the administration of the government of a U.S. state or one of the states of Mexico. State...
located west of
Orange CityOrange City is a city located in Volusia County, Florida. In the 2000 census the city had a total population of 6,604. In 2004 the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 7,172.
-Geography:Orange City is located at ....
,
FloridaFlorida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the north. It was the 27th state admitted to the United States...
in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing,
SCUBA divingScuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater for recreation, commercial or industrial reasons.Unlike early diving, which relied exclusively on air pumped from the surface, scuba...
, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming. The spring is the largest on the
St. Johns RiverThe St. Johns River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and its most significant for commercial and recreational use. At long, it winds through or borders twelve counties, three of which are the state's largest. The elevation drop from the headwaters to the mouth is less than ; like...
and serves as the winter home of many Florida
manateeManatees are large, fully aquatic marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They are noted for their rather friendly nature, large size and paddle-like flippers. The name manatí comes from the Taíno, a pre-Columbian people of the Caribbean, meaning "breast"...
s that come up the St. Johns to bask in the relatively warm waters (constant 72 Fahrenheit/21 Celsius) of the springs.
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Blue Spring State Park is a
state parkState parks are parks or other protected areas of the United States and in Mexico for an area of land preserved on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, recreation, or other reason, and under the administration of the government of a U.S. state or one of the states of Mexico. State...
located west of
Orange CityOrange City is a city located in Volusia County, Florida. In the 2000 census the city had a total population of 6,604. In 2004 the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 7,172.
-Geography:Orange City is located at ....
,
FloridaFlorida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the north. It was the 27th state admitted to the United States...
in the
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing,
SCUBA divingScuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater for recreation, commercial or industrial reasons.Unlike early diving, which relied exclusively on air pumped from the surface, scuba...
, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming. The spring is the largest on the
St. Johns RiverThe St. Johns River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and its most significant for commercial and recreational use. At long, it winds through or borders twelve counties, three of which are the state's largest. The elevation drop from the headwaters to the mouth is less than ; like...
and serves as the winter home of many Florida
manateeManatees are large, fully aquatic marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They are noted for their rather friendly nature, large size and paddle-like flippers. The name manatí comes from the Taíno, a pre-Columbian people of the Caribbean, meaning "breast"...
s that come up the St. Johns to bask in the relatively warm waters (constant 72 Fahrenheit/21 Celsius) of the springs. Millions of gallons of clear water flow from the spring daily to join the St. Johns River.
History
The spring was visited by botanist
John BartramJohn Bartram was an early American botanist, horticulturalist, and explorer. Carolus Linnaeus said he was the "greatest natural botanist in the world."...
in 1766.
The spring and surrounding land was acquired by the Thursby family in the mid-19th century and a
large plantation-style homeThe Louis P. Thursby House is a historic home in Orange City, Florida, United States. It is located inside Blue Spring State Park. On May 11, 2000, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.-References and external links:* at * at...
built upon a shell mound on the property. The area was excellent for cultivation of citrus fruit, and a small railway was built linking
Orange CityOrange City is a city located in Volusia County, Florida. In the 2000 census the city had a total population of 6,604. In 2004 the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 7,172.
-Geography:Orange City is located at ....
to the dock at Blue Spring. Ultimately, the
Florida East Coast RailwayThe Florida East Coast Railway is a Class II railroad operating in the U.S. state of Florida; in the past, it has been a Class I railroad. It is currently owned by RailAmerica. The FEC is renowned for building the first railroad bridges to Key West, that have since been rebuilt into road bridges...
was constructed not far from the present-day park. Unfortunately, a killing freeze occurred in the 1890s, wiping out area citrus groves and driving the industry south. The Thursbys switched to the tourist trade, taking advantage of the beautiful spring and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities along the
St. Johns RiverThe St. Johns River is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and its most significant for commercial and recreational use. At long, it winds through or borders twelve counties, three of which are the state's largest. The elevation drop from the headwaters to the mouth is less than ; like...
.
The park was acquired by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1972 to kick-start its Manatee Protection Program.
Recreation Opportunities
Fifty-one campsites (27 have electric) and six cabins are available for those who wish to stay at the park. Swimming is very popular on hot summer days, but is banned during Manatee season. Qualified Scuba divers can descend into the spring cave in season as well. Picnicking is a popular pastime, with pavilions available for groups. The old Thursby plantation house is being maintained and has historical displays. Various wildlife besides manatees can be seen as well.
Hontoon Island State ParkHontoon Island State Park is a 1,648 acre Florida State Park located on Hontoon Island between the St. Johns River and the Hontoon Dead River in Volusia County. It is six miles west of DeLand, off SR 44, and can only be reached by boat or park operated ferry. The island has pine flatwoods, palm and...
is a short paddle down the St. Johns River.
External links