Blue Spring State Park
(St. Johns River Country)
2100 W. French Avenue
Orange City, Florida
Tel:  (386) 775-3663

For hundreds of years the Timucuan Indians made the spring area their home.  The spring run, river and the surrounding swamps and uplands provided food, clothing, shelter and material for tools and weapons.  Snails gathered from sandbars were a staple food.  Over the centuries, the discarded shells formed a massive mound.  By the mid-1800s, most of the Indians had been killed or driven south and pioneer settlers took their place.  In 1872, the Thursby family built a large frame house atop the Indians' shell mound, safe from the floodwaters of the St. Johns. 

The spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming; it's a place that plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida's most beleaguered residents - the manatee.  An observation platform provides a view of the endangered mammals that gather at the spring during the cooler months of the year.  From November through march, the manatees leave the colder waters of the St. Johns River for the safety and comfort of the 72-degree spring.  A designated swimming area separates bathers from the manatee refuge zone.

Camping, Cabins, Fishing, Canoeing, Picnic, Scuba, Swimming, Trails, Museum, Boat Rental, Playground.  Pets not allowed in camping or cabin areas. 

St. Johns River Cruises and Tours - 2 hour narrated nature and ecological cruises on the Beautiful and Historic St. Johns River. May to December, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  January to April, 3:30 p.m.  Tel:  (386) 917-0724 or (407) 330-1612