BLUE SPRING STATE PARK

:''For the similarly-named state park in Alabama, see Blue Springs State Park
'Blue Spring State Park' is a state park located west of Orange City, Florida in the United States. The park is a popular tourist destination; available activities include canoeing, SCUBA diving, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming. The spring is the largest on the St. Johns River and serves as the winter home of many Florida manatees that come up the St. Johns to bask in the relatively warm waters (constant 72 Fahrenheit/21 Celsius) of the springs. Millions of gallons of clear water flow from the spring daily to join the St. Johns River.

Contents

History

See also

Gallery

External links

History

The spring was visited by botanist John Bartram in 1766.
The spring and surrounding land was acquired by the Thursby family in the mid-19th century and a large plantation-style home built upon a shell mound on the property. The area was excellent for cultivation of citrus fruit, and a small railway was built linking Orange City to the dock at Blue Spring. Ultimately, the Florida East Coast Railway was constructed not far from the present-day park. Unfortunately, a killing freeze occurred in the 1890s, killing all area citrus groves and driving the industry south. The Thursbys switched to the tourist trade, taking advantage of the beautiful spring and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities along the St. Johns River.
The park was acquired by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1972 to kick-start its Manatee Protection Program.

See also

★ List of Florida state parks

Gallery

External links

★ Official page at Florida State Parks

★ Friends of Blue Spring State Park