Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is a state park located west of Orange City, Florida in Alabama. It is a heavenly escape from everyday life and hurried vacations. Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres. The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian manatees.

History

For hundreds of years, the Timucuan Indians made the spring area their home. John Bartram, a prominent British botanist, explored the St. Johns River in 1766. In 1872, the spring and surrounding land was acquired by the Thursby family. A large plantation-style home was built upon a shell mound on the property, safe from the floodwaters of the St. Johns.

Activities

Various facilities include modern and primitive campgrounds, picnic shelters, tables, grills, comfort stations and playgrounds. The park offers six cabins for stay. Swimming is very popular on hot summer days. Scuba divers can descend into the spring cave in season as well. Picnicking is a popular pastime, with pavilions available for groups.

The park is a popular tourist destination. Camping at Blue Spring State Park is a wonderful experience because of the secluded sites and various facilities offered. Swim or float in a tube in the crystal-clear blue waters, walk the boardwalk along the spring run, canoe or kayak the Santa Fe River and camp at the fully-equipped campground.