Suwannee Springs

Suwannee Springs was one of Florida’s original tourist destinations. The spring pool was enclosed in the late 1800s to create a bathing area for a resort hotel, which used to be located nearby. People came from all around the east coast to partake of the “healing sulfur waters” which were rumored to cure everything from gout to marital problems. From the civil war to the 1920s the site had a succession of four wooden hotels, a bathhouse, and many private cottages. A special spur railroad line was established just to take the tourists to the springs. The last hotel burned in 1925 and with the decline of the railroads the resort faded away. Today the springhouse and some private cabins on adjacent property are all that is left of the site.

This is a great location for biking, fishing, picnics, swimming, and wildlife viewing. There are hiking and horseback riding trails if you feel like exploring. Depending on the height of the river there is also a sandbar area. The pool area is 40 feet in diameter. There are portable restrooms. Dogs are welcome but they must be on a leash. There is no admission fee.