Things to do nearIchetucknee Springs
Ichetucknee Springs is a beloved Florida state park offering spring-fed tubing, pristine wildlife habitat, and some of the clearest river water in the South.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park sits in Columbia County in north-central Florida, protecting a 3.5-mile spring run that feeds into the Santa Fe River. The springs have sustained human life here for thousands of years, and the park itself has been shielded from development since the 1970s when Florida acquired the land after a proposed fertilizer plant threatened the aquifer.
The main draw is tubing, offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visitors choose between a shorter North Tube Run and the full South Run, both winding through dense floodplain forest. Outside tubing season, the park stays open for swimming at the headspring, kayaking, and paddling the glassy run at a slower pace.
Wildlife is a constant presence. Limpkins call from the shoreline, anhinga spread their wings in the cypress, and manatees occasionally venture up from the Santa Fe in cooler months. The water clarity makes every creature easy to spot. Nearby, Rum Island Springs County Park offers a quieter alternative for a post-float swim.
Ichetucknee Springs rewards those who slow down and let the current carry them through one of Florida's most unspoiled natural corridors.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ichetucknee Springs
Visit on a weekday in May or September to avoid peak summer crowds and daily capacity limits that can close the park entrance by mid-morning.
Bring a mesh bag to keep your belongings dry and secure during the float; loose items can drift away quickly in the current.
Wear water shoes rather than sandals, as the spring-run bottom is sandy but the entry and exit points can be slippery.
Keep an eye out for river otters near the headspring area in the early morning, when wildlife activity is at its highest.
Rent a tube from outfitters along US-27 north of the park if you prefer not to carry your own gear on the shuttle bus.
Top tours & experiences near Ichetucknee Springs
3.5-Mile Ichetucknee River Paddle Rental
Drift through Ichetucknee River’s clear blue-green waterways at your own pace
Guided Clear Kayak Tour Ichetucknee Springs
See Ichetucknee River below you on a guided clear kayak paddle
6.25-Mile Ichetucknee Springs Paddle Rental
Paddle upstream toward Head Spring, then ride the gentle current back