Take a road trip to Blue Spring

Blue Spring State Park is known as a refuge for East Indian Manatees. It provides a safe warm water refuge for manatees during winter.

The spring and spring run are closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1.

But closing the spring run to aquatics makes it an ideal refuge for the grass-eating creatures on cold days. On the coldest days, more than a hundred manatees may gather for the warm spring water. If you are planning an early morning trip to see the creatures, call ahead. Rangers stop traffic temporarily when the park reaches capacity.

Blue Spring covers 2,644 acres of natural Florida. There is always a chance of Limpkins, Wood Storks, Barred Owls, Yellow-crowned Night Herons and Red-shouldered Hawks.

Winter activities include St. Johns River Nature Cruises, kayak tours and canoe rentals. Blue Spring State Park merchandise, snacks, hot coffee and cocoa are available at the snack bar located at the midpoint of the spring run. Pack binoculars, a camera and plenty of curiosity.

The park was purchased by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 1972. The state claims the purchase kick-started its Manatee protection program.

The spring was the subject of a television documentary by oceanographer Jacques Costeau. At the time, the spring and spring run to the St. Johns River were polluted. The area was littered with trash and junked appliances. Costeau feared the damage was permanent.

After many months state workers returned Blue Spring to pristine condition.

Blue Spring is a second-magnitude spring with a large swimming area. It is one of the largest springs in North America. It has a diving dock with a depth of 24 feet deep near the dock. There are 50 yards of white-sand beach, great for small children and sunbathers.

Hiking Trails criss-cross the park property and offer a quiet getaway to walk and explore nature. You will see flora and fauna in its natural habitat.