Rainbow River Life
Discover the joys of canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking on the River
Rainbow River History
The Rainbow River area has been used by humans for over 10,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological evidence. Mastodon and mammoth fossils have been found in the river, along with arrowheads and stone tools left behind by Native Americans.
In the late 1800s, people were attracted to the area after the discovery of phosphate. In the early and mid-20th century, business owners used Florida's tropical image to attract more people.
In the 1930s, the springs were developed as a tourist attraction, with the addition of sea walls, a lodge, gift shop, waterfalls, and a reptile exhibit. The theme park closed in 1974.
In 1972, the entire Rainbow River was designated as a Registered Natural Landmark, and in 1986, it became an Aquatic Preserve. In 1987, it was named an "Outstanding Florida Waterway". In 1990, the state of Florida acquired the springs and prevented development.
The Rainbow River is a first magnitude spring that releases about 400–600 million gallons of cool water per day.