In 1970 Holiday Inn bought in for 50 percent, and then, in 1972, Beinke sold out his half to a Miami Development group. Although a trickle of tourists came to Rainbow Springs, it just wasn't enough business to support all that investment. The one thing they couldn't change was its location outside Dunnellon - I-75 went through miles away to the east, and the tourists went right on past in their rush to Orlando and Walt Disney World.
In 1968 animal shows were added, along with an aviary, a paddlewheel riverboat, newly air-conditioned submarine boats, a rodeo demonstration ring, and an unusual leaf-shaped monorail that went right through the upper reaches of the aviary. Then, in 1967, S & H Green Stamp heir Walter Beinke bought Rainbow Springs with an eye toward turning it into a major attraction. Rainbow Springs changed hands a few times and struggled along. Rainbow Springs also had competition from Homosassa Springs, "Nature's Fishbowl," more directly on the tourist routes on the west coast. There was Weeki Wachee and those famous mermaids, also with ABC promotion. When it came to tourist attraction springs, though, Silver Springs had greater name recognition and, for a time in the 1960's, the American Broadcasting Company behind them, as well as a more accessible location. A lodge and, of course, gift shop, were also built.
#Rainbow springs state park windows
In these passengers sat below the waterline, looking out at the fish and the springs through windows in the sides. Instead of glass bottom boats, "Submarine Boats" were built to show off the springs. Once upon a time it was just plain old "Blue Springs," but that was before the developers in the 1930's decided that "Rainbow Springs" had a nicer ring to it. Since 1878, when Hullam Jones began charging visitors to ride his small glass bottom boat across Silver Springs, several have also been developed as commercial tourist attractions. Ranger-led walks and guided paddling trips are offered, call for details.Rainbow Springs: one of Florida's Lost Tourist Attractionsįlorida may not have much in the way of scenic mountains, or canyons, or waterfalls, but the state's natural springs have always attracted tourists. Canoes and kayaks can be rented within the park. This park is also a launching point for paddling the Rainbow River Aquatic Preserve.
Two miles of trails wind around old pasture (sparrows, American Kestrel) and through pine flatwoods and sandhills (Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Towhee and Yellow-throated Vireo) and hardwood forest (Barred Owl, Hermit Thrush and Yellow-throated Warbler). Southeast of the garden is the trailhead, where three hiking trail loops lead to the quieter side of the park. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found along with over 40 species of butterfly including Red-spotted Purple, Whirlabout, Sleepy Orange and Cassius Blue. Follow the path east beyond the waterfall area to an extensive, native plant and butterfly garden. Great Egret, Green Heron, Anhinga and Pied-billed Grebe can be seen from the river overlooks.
#Rainbow springs state park series
A series of paved and brick walkways around and above the scenic head springs can yield resident and migratory songbirds, such as Red-eyed Vireo and Northern Parula.
Start by picking up a trail map at the visitor center.
Famous for its first magnitude springs (fourth largest in Florida) and former site of a private theme park, this site reopened to the public in 1995.
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