Blue Springs

## Overview Blue Springs is the centerpiece of Blue Spring State Park, located along the St. Johns River in Orange City, Florida. The park is one of the most celebrated natural spring destinations in the state, renowned for its stunning crystal-clear waters and its role as a critical winter refuge for the West Indian manatee. The spring produces a massive first-magnitude flow, with an estimated output of around 104 million gallons of water per day. The water maintains a constant temperature of approximately 72°F (22°C) year-round, which is what draws hundreds of manatees to the spring run during the cooler months, typically from mid-November through March. The spring's vivid blue color comes from the depth of the spring vent and the clarity of the water, which allows sunlight to scatter and reflect in brilliant shades of blue and turquoise. The spring run stretches roughly a third of a mile from the spring head to where it meets the St. Johns River. Blue Spring has a long human history — archaeological evidence suggests the area was used by Native Americans thousands of years ago, and in the 19th century, a steamboat landing operated along the St. Johns River near the spring. The historic Thursby House, built in 1872, still stands within the park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a glimpse into the area's pioneer past. Blue Spring State Park was established in 1972 to protect the spring and its surrounding ecosystem. Today it is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is one of the most visited state parks in Florida. ## Directions 1. From Interstate 4, take **Exit 114** for Orange City / DeLand. 2. Head west on **W French Avenue (US-17/92)**. 3. Continue on W French Avenue for approximately 2 miles. 4. The entrance to **Blue Spring State Park** will be on your left at **2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763**. 5. Follow the park road to the parking areas near the spring head and boardwalk. *GPS coordinates: 28.952309, -81.333664* ## What to Expect Upon entering the park, a paved trail and boardwalk lead down to the spring head and along the spring run. The water is remarkably clear, and on most days you can see straight to the bottom of the spring vent. During manatee season (mid-November through March), swimming, snorkeling, and paddling in the spring run are prohibited to protect the animals, but the boardwalk offers outstanding viewing — it's common to see dozens or even hundreds of manatees gathered in the warm water. Outside of manatee season, swimming and snorkeling in the spring run are permitted and are a major draw, with the constant 72°F water offering a refreshing escape from Florida's heat. The park also offers kayak and canoe rentals, guided river boat tours on the St. Johns River, picnic areas, camping (with both tent and cabin options), and several miles of hiking trails through floodplain forest. The historic Thursby House is open for self-guided tours. Blue Spring State Park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee (typically $6 per vehicle with up to 8 occupants as of recent years). The park can reach capacity early on busy days — especially weekends during manatee season — so arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM until sundown. While the spring has historically been a natural freshwater source, visitors should note that the water is not treated and no guarantees of potability are made. The spring water has been historically regarded as clean and clear, but conditions can vary.