A great place to explore and have fun with friends and family is Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Learn about the local animals, enjoy the local food or take a relaxing float down the river in a tube. Let’s dive in!

Your Ultimate Guide to Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Located in Florida, this wildlife haven features the famous Ichetucknee River, two sparkling freshwater springs, hiking trails, and all sorts of plants and animals. It is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset year-round. 

Now, pay attention because this information can help you once you decide what you want to do in the park and where to go. 

• The North Entrance: Guests can enter here and make their way to the Blue Hole Spring, various hiking trails, biking trails, and a food truck. 
• The South Entrance: Here, you’ll have access to tubing, paddling, the Educational Exhibit Center, and various supplies. 
• Fees: The park requires an entry fee, and a rental fee for any tubes, kayaks, or any other rental equipment. It is a protected wildlife environment, so guests must be respectful to all of its creatures and plants. 

Now that we have the boring logistics out of the way, let's go inside the park!

Welcome to Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Sunlight filters through the trees, making the water sparkle. Soothing waters carry you down the river, and all sorts of life surrounds you. This is what it is like to be on the river in Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Whether you are tubing, kayaking, or paddling, it will surely be an immersive and unforgettable experience!

Ichetucknee Springs Tubing

Get the entire family involved in this all-ages experience at the south entrance of the park! Once in the park, you can easily rent tubes for your hour-long adventure. The tubes are priced based on style and size. From there, get transportation to your launch point! Keep in mind that the last tube rental is at 3:30 p.m., and all tubes must be returned by 5:00 p.m.

Ichetucknee Springs Kayaking and Paddling

Also at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are available. From the south park entrance, guests can choose from the following excursions:

Paddle Ichetucknee

Mileage: 3.5

Time: 2 hours

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Extended Rivers Paddle

Mileage: 9

Time: 4-6 hours

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dampier’s Landing Paddle

Mileage: Up to 5.5

Time: 1.5 to 5 hours

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Rentals are available for each of the excursions, which can also be booked in advance online.

A Natural Lazy River

Not only does Ichetucknee Springs State Park have its river, but it also has natural springs! These springs open up opportunities for all sorts of activities and adventures!

Swimming and Snorkeling

With two available springs to choose from, visitors to the park can decide to take a relaxing splash! 

• Head Springs - A National Natural Landmark: It has shallow edges that give way to deeper crevices, and is conveniently located close to picnic tables and a seasonal food truck.
• Blue Hole Spring - A Snorkeling Paradise: A deep, cooler all year round experience. Its waters stay relatively consistent at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Its blue waters and fascinating aquatic life make it a popular spot for snorkeling.

Scuba Diving

Those who are certified as cave or cavern divers can choose to explore Blue Hole Spring. This unique cave system starts 40 feet below the surface and consists of around 600 feet of passageways. Some tunnels are spacious, while others are a tight squeeze.

Let’s Dive Into Action! (Swimming & Snorkeling)

As the home of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a natural habitat for all sorts of wildlife. As you hike through the park, keep an eye out for various species of birds, river otters, gophers, manatees, turtles, fish, and more! Ichetucknee Springs alligators exist, so the park takes certain precautions to keep its guests safe. Animals are not allowed in the water, and visitors should watch any animals they may bring closely. 

With various hiking trails to choose from, Ichetucknee Springs State Park has a lot to offer when it comes to plant life and animal viewing. 

• The Blue Hole Trail: A half-mile long walk to Blue Hole Spring. It is an easy path, making it suitable for all ages.
• Trestle Point Trail: Slightly harder, taking around 30 minutes to complete. This particular hike takes you alongside the Ichetucknee River. 
• Pine Ridge Trail: The final hike is a two-mile loop trail that takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to complete. It offers views of the majestic sandhill. Known for having tall, longleaf pine trees and open vistas, this trail has a lot of wildlife to see.

The Ichetucknee Springs Habitat

Exploring the natural beauty of Ichetucknee Springs State Park can work up quite an appetite! Whether you're craving a quick bite after tubing down the river or looking for a sit-down meal with live music, there are plenty of food options in and around the park.

Food Options Inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park

• Food Trucks: Occasionally, food trucks set up near Head Springs, offering a convenient and tasty way to grab a bite while exploring the park.
• General Store Grill: Located near the south park entrance, the general store features a grill serving up sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, salads, wraps, and even hand-dipped ice cream!

Restaurants Near Ichetucknee Springs

• The Great Outdoors Restaurant: This local favorite serves seafood and steak dishes. It also has outdoor seating and live music.
• Pink Flamingo: More than just a restaurant. It offers dining, live music on weekends, and even a mini-golf course for extra fun.
• Prohibition Pizza: A must-visit for pizza lovers. This spot features a variety of pizzas, from classic flavors to unique specialties like “A Blind Pig” or “Diavola.”
• High Springs Brewery: This community-focused brewery is perfect for those who want to enjoy handcrafted beer in a welcoming atmosphere.

No matter what you're in the mood for, there’s something delicious waiting for you near Ichetucknee Springs!

Hungry? Let’s Eat!

Stay at Vista Verde Farm Retreat

At Vista Verde Farm Retreat, we provide luxurious cabins designed for the comfort of our guests. Enjoy amenities like a fire pit, a full bathroom, and a bedroom, all set against the stunning landscape of our property. We are committed to offering our clients the best treatment possible and truly enjoy interacting with them! 

Whether you’re in Florida to explore nature at Ichetucknee Springs State Park or to take a relaxing stroll around town, we would be delighted to host you! Stay with us at Vista Verde Farm Retreat!