We recently visited central Florida's Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, FL, the winter home to almost 500 West Indian manatees.
Talk about winter visitors trying to find a place to get warm!
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| Florida State Parks are proud of "America's Best State Park" Designation! |
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| Blue Spring Gift Shop with Snorkel/Scuba Rentals |
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| Stay for the weekend in a full furnished cabin! |
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| Abundance of turtles, birds, fish and wildlife |
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| A Florida Manatee and calf at Blue Spring |
Other animals that make Blue Spring a home is the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise and black bear. This area is the home of one of only two known locations for the Okeechobee gourd.
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| Florida Scrub Jay - Blue Spring |
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| All types of Florida birds life thrive in this environment |
Tucked within 2,643 acres are 15 natural communities, a lagoon, a north-flowing river and a first-magnitude spring that discharges over 104 million gallons of water into the St. Johns River on a daily basis.
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| Manatees are well protected at Blue Spring |
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| Boardwalk through shade areas |
We enjoyed the one-third mile boardwalk that follows the flowing Blue Spring run through a shady hardwood hammock.
The water is 72-degrees year round and abounds with fish, manatees and tropical birds. They are very well protected away from areas where swimmers and scuba divers converge. There are 3 covered pavilions if you care to have a picnic or simply rest.
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| Many covered and uncovered picnic areas |
If you bring a bicycle there is a 4 mile, one way Pine Island Hiking Trail. Facilities include 50 campsites equipped with water, electricity, picnic tables, fire rings and 6 fully equipped cabins.
If you desire to explore the river further, rent a canoe, kayak or take a kayak tour or experience native plants and wildlife on a 2 hour river cruise.
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| Leisurely kayaks enjoy the Spring |
The on-site Florida pioneer Louis Thursby House is over 100 years old and offers an insight to early Florida pioneer living. Louis Thursby purchased Blue Spring in 1856 and built a 3 story house atop a large Indian midden in 1872. Before the railroad rolled through in the 1880s, Thursby's Blue Spring Landing was a hotbed of steamboat activity shipping tourists and goods to Jacksonville and beyond. Mrs. Mary Thursby was Orange City's first postmistress.
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| Louis Thursby Home - Blue Spring |
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| Louis Thursby House has withstood the test of time since 1872 |
The State of Florida purchased Blue Spring in 1972 recognizing the importance of this area being a winter refuge to the manatee.
Blue Spring is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. The beauty and history of this important spring is definitely something to be protected for all to enjoy.
