Blue Spring State Park is a breathtakingly beautiful 10.7 km2 natural jewel that offers visitors the full beauty of Florida’s nature. Blue Spring is still an insider’s tip for tourists, but not for Floridians.
Blue Spring State Park is the largest winter refuge for West Indian manatees in Florida. As most German-speaking Florida vacationers also plan a visit to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando on their road trip, a trip to Blue Spring is just under an hour away by car.
My video about Blue Spring
Manatee record at 679 manatees in winter 2021
The friendly Florida giants can be observed here from October to the end of March. Up to 500 manatees spend the somewhat colder months from November to March here in the Sunshine State of Florida, as the water temperature at Blue Spring is a constant 22 degrees Celsius all year round.
Visitors can not only enjoy a wonderful view of the breathtaking nature and wildlife from numerous wooden viewing platforms along a 650-metre-long wooden boardwalk, but there are also numerous other activities on offer.
For example, canoes and kayaks can be hired to explore the St. Johns River. But more on that later. First, we take a look together at the beautiful flora and fauna in Blue Spring State Park.
Read here to find out more about manatees: 38 facts about manatees in my blog article
Blue Spring is located on the St. Johns River – the longest river in Florida
The refreshing 22 degrees C (72 degrees F) water of Blue Spring welcomes visitors to this natural gem in Florida. Blue Spring State Park is located on the St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida at 500 km.
Every day, more than 284 million liters (70 million gallons) of crystal-clear, warm spring water flow out of Blue Spring into the St. Johns River. After a documentary (“The Forgotten Mermaids” episode of the Underwater World of Jacques Cousteau) brought the warm spring to the attention of Floridians as a winter refuge for manatees, the state of Florida bought the land in the early 1970s and established Blue Spring State Park here in 1972.
Home to many protected animal and plant species
Today, Blue Spring State Park is home to more than 15 threatened and endangered animal and plant species. The park is also a winter refuge for the West Indian manatee and habitat for the Florida scrub jay, gopher tortoise, black bear, Okeechobee gourd, herons and other wading birds.
Just to name a few. From time to time, alligators can also be spotted sunbathing at the water’s edge.
Founded in 1972 with 14 manatees
The state park was founded in 1972 and scientists observed as many as 14 manatees in the waters of the blue spring. In 2005, after many improvements to the park with protective measures for the population and conservation of the manatees bore fruit, more than 200 manatees were sighted here. Today, up to 500 manatees can be seen here every year. In 2021, the record number of manatees sighted daily was an incredible 679 animals.
Many fish species…
An incredible number of fish species can be seen very well in the crystal-clear water. During our stay, we were not only able to observe manatees from the numerous viewing platforms, but also countless fish, which can be seen very well in the clear spring water.
and bird species…
The wildlife, as Floridians say, is beautiful and diverse here. Many bird species have also settled here, as the conditions here are ideal. Numerous bird species can be admired here. In addition to ospreys, eagles, wading birds and kingfishers, numerous other species can be found here.
Main attraction: Manatees
The biggest attraction for visitors, however, are still the manatees, which enjoy the 22°C warm water here in the winter months. Manatees depend on the warm water to survive, as they cannot withstand colder water temperatures below 20 °C (68 degrees) for any length of time.
Although manatees look rather “fat” and “flabby” in the eyes of many onlookers, they actually only have a layer of fat about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick, which can protect them from the cold. They also have a very slow metabolism, making it difficult for them to keep warm. This is why manatees are dependent on warmer refuges when water temperatures fall below 20°C. The numerous warm springs in Florida – such as Blue Spring – are ideal for this.
During the winter months, manatees are susceptible to cold stress syndrome, which is similar to hypothermia, pneumonia or frostbite in humans.
Park rangers therefore keep a close eye on the manatees here to help them if necessary.
Crystal clear, warm spring water
Blue Spring State Park is unique because the manatees in the crystal clear spring water can be seen very well from the boardwalk. The wide, beautiful wooden boardwalk runs for almost 700 meters from the spring to the St. Johns River.
The manatees, turtles, fish and birds can be observed very well from here. The offspring of the manatees born here can also be seen here together with their mothers. The manatees are not disturbed by humans, as they are kept at a sufficient distance from the animals.
Number of returning manatees increases from year to year
A sign of the success of the park rangers and manatee researchers and experts working here is the constantly increasing number of “friendly giants”, as they are often called here, returning every year.
Other activities in Blue Spring State Park
In winter, the Blue Spring area is reserved for the animals. In summer, you can swim in the warm spring water, snorkel and experience the beautiful park with swimming rings.
Sunbathing can be enjoyed on the sunbathing areas. Whether summer or winter, this is also the perfect place for a picnic or barbecue. Tables and seating with barbecues in the pavilions invite you to do so all year round.
The historic Louis Thursby House
A large, historic house stands on the grounds of the park. The Thursby House was built in 1872. It was built by Louis Thursby, a prospector and orange grower who bought the land around Blue Spring in 1856. In the years that followed, the area became a stronghold of steamboating through the St. Johns River. Many tourists and goods were shipped through here. Mrs. Thursby was the first postmistress of Orange City, as it was called at the time. Incidentally, the railroad also passed through here from 1880.
Campground
Incidentally, there is also a campsite on the large site, where camping cabins for up to 6 people can be rented. There is also a 3.6-mile hiking trail. Visitors can explore Florida's nature on the Pine Island Hike Trail.
Guided boat trips on the St. Johns River
At the end of the boardwalk (and at the entrance to the park in the store) you can buy a ticket for a boat trip across the St. Johns River. The 2-hour boat trips with a guide take place at 10 am and 1 pm. If you understand a little English, you can learn a lot about the flora and fauna of Florida. Otherwise you can just enjoy the beautiful boat trip. Numerous animals are guaranteed to be spotted along the way.
Hire kayaks and canoes
You can also rent a canoe or kayak at the end of the boardwalk to explore the St. Johns River on your own. But don't be surprised if you come across alligators in the river from time to time while paddling.
My conclusion
Blue Springs State Park is one of the top 3 state parks that we have visited on our numerous road trips through Florida. This natural gem is simply a dream destination for every Florida visitor. We have made many wonderful memories here and we will certainly be back again one day.
Sources and information
- Official website of the state park: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park/
- Map of Blue Spring Park as PDF: View here >>
- Rent kayaks and book a ticket for the boat trip: https://www.bluespringadventures.com