Nestled in the heart of North Florida, Ichetucknee Springs State Park stands as a pristine natural sanctuary—best known for its crystal-clear springs. To uncover the unique charm and significance of this beloved destination in Columbia County, we sat down with Caitlin Gonsiorek, a dedicated park services specialist at Ichetucknee Springs. Thanks to her extensive knowledge and passion for the park, Caitlin provided us with an in-depth look at its unique offerings, diverse ecosystems, and the profound connection it shares with the Lake City community.
We also had the chance to hear her insights on how to make the most of your visit to Ichetucknee Springs and Lake City—Florida’s Springlands, as well as what it’s like working behind the scenes at this exceptional state park. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a trip filled with family fun, join us as we delve into everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
ABOUT THE STATE PARK
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has a history that spans thousands of years, from early Native American cultures to when the Timucua and the Spanish Mission de San Martin cohabitated here. In the 1950s and 1960s, tubing became popular when the Loncala Phosphate Company owned the land. By 1970, the state of Florida purchased the property in order to protect its ecosystem, and the river and springs were declared a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Today, the park is known as “an aquamarine crown jewel of the Florida Park Service.” Visitors can enjoy the pristine waters here and explore a variety of natural communities, from flatwoods to hammocks and sandhills. Plus, tubing remains a significant draw even after all these years, attracting thousands of visitors yearly!
What makes Ichetucknee Springs State Park a unique and special place in Florida?
“As a park employee, one of the qualities I find so endearing about Ichetucknee is how timeless the park is. We have many visitors who enjoyed the river before it was a state park and are still coming back today. They remember it so fondly that they come back with their children or grandchildren, who will then bring their own children and grandchildren. Many have learned to swim in our springs, met their soulmate by the river, or saw their first manatee while paddling. Something about our park’s charm keeps generations of Floridians and beyond coming.”
UNIQUE THINGS TO DO AND SEE AT ICHETUCKNEE SPRINGS
Although many visitors will first hear about Ichetucknee Springs State Park thanks to its tubing opportunities, there’s so much more to see and explore! This 2,669-acre expanse features eight major crystal-clear springs that merge to form the Ichetucknee River, making it a haven for wildlife and ideal for all of your favorite outdoor adventures.
What are some of the most popular activities and attractions at Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
“Our park offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, river tubing, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. We also offer monthly programs such as moonlit paddles, guided history tours, Junior Ranger Hangout, and more.”
You can find more about the monthly programs, including Storytime & Hike With a Ranger and Pancakes with a Ranger, here.
Are there any unique wildlife species that visitors might encounter at the park?
“Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a wildlife haven where beaver, otter, gar, softshell turtle, wild turkey, wood duck, and limpkin all find a home. As the weather cools down, slow-moving manatees and their calves munch on the park’s lush aquatic vegetation. The best time of year to see these gentle giants in our park is generally from October through March. Don’t forget to admire them from a distance for their safety and yours. In January, schools of gar fish gather in the river and springs to spawn under the glow of the full moon. While hiking our open sandhill trails, listen for the elusive Bachman’s Sparrow’s song or say hello to gopher tortoises as they venture out of their burrows.”
Do you have any unique seasonal events or special activities that visitors should know about?
First Day Hike
Every New Year’s Day, a park ranger leads a casual walk along Pine Ridge and Trestle Point Trails. For many, a new year represents a chance to reconnect with nature and commit to spending more time outdoors in the months ahead.
Springs Family Fun Day
This is a family-friendly fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Ichetucknee Springs to celebrate spring at the springs. This celebration of the environment boasts child-friendly games, a dunk tank, a bounce house, animal ambassadors, our Junior Ranger Program, local vendor crafts, student dioramas, and more!
Spooky Springs
Spooky Springs is an annual, family-friendly Halloween event organized by the Friends of Ichetucknee Springs and the park’s concessionaire. Money raised at this event goes back to park protection and conservation.”
INSIDER TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR VISIT
We couldn’t resist asking Caitlin for her top tips on visiting Ichetucknee Springs State Park and maximizing your time there. Keep reading to discover her recommendations—you might even want to jot them down before your first visit!
What can visitors expect when they arrive at Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
“Visitors to our park can expect a window into the real old Florida. We are a leader in finding the balance between recreation and the protection of resources. Visitors can expect to see wildlife, an abundance of flora, and clear, blue water. Ichetucknee Springs is a family-friendly environment with a variety of experiences for a wide spectrum of people.”
What are the best times of year to visit the park, and what makes these times special?
“While our park is known for its cool waters in the summer, October ushers in a small window of time when the park is bursting with native wildflowers and fluttering pollinators. As you walk along the peak of Pine Ridge Trail, swaths of yellow, pink, and purple flowers carpet the sandhill floor. Or see how many butterflies you can name between the goldenrods and asters as you putter around our Discovery Trail loop.
Winter brings many of our migratory critters, such as the herds of manatees. These Florida mascots come every winter to feast on the nutritious eelgrass. We have even begun to observe manatees traveling long distances to our park to have a safe place to birth new calves, much like a nursery. Watching their slow rhythms makes it hard not to find yourself drawn into the profound spirit of Florida’s wild spaces.”
What are some of the best ways for visitors to make the most of their trip to the park?
“1. Before your visit, head to our website at floridastateparks.org to familiarize yourself with everything Ichetucknee Springs has to offer, where to go, and watch for alerts. Preparing before your visit saves time, reduces the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar place, and prevents unpleasant surprises (even for the pros). We work hard to keep our website up to date so that you have all the information you need right at your fingertips.
2. It’s important all year—but especially in our hot summer months—to stay hydrated and bring sun protection. Water in non-disposable containers will keep you fueled for a day full of unique experiences.
3. Go with the flow! As a wild space, things may not go according to plan. When you come to our park with a relaxed attitude and adapt to any situation as it is, you’ll have a much more positive visit and may even discover something new.”
Do you have any favorite spots or hidden gems in the park that visitors should check out?
“Very few people know our park has a visitor center on the south side. Our visitor center volunteers are ready to answer questions and teach you about the park nearly every day. Through interactive and interpretive displays, you can ‘go with the flow’ as you trace this precious resource from source to boiling spring. At the end of your journey, help yourself to our selection of coloring sheets or borrow some of our games for quiet time with your family.”
PERSONAL INSIGHTS FROM A PARK RANGER
It was fascinating to hear first-hand from Caitlin about her deep connection to Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Her passion for the park is truly inspiring, offering a glimpse into the rewarding and meaningful experiences that come with being a park services specialist.
What do you love most about working at Ichetucknee Springs State Park?
“I personally think I have the best job at Ichetucknee Springs—park services specialist. This means I handle our programming, outreach, and volunteer program. There is nothing that I love more than helping our visitors create emotional and intellectual connections to the park’s resources. The beauty of our park and the timeless adventures it provides make it easy to facilitate those connections. I love the feeling of sparking a lifetime love for the park or even helping our frequent visitors discover something new.”
Can you share a memorable story or moment that has happened at the park?
“Our park offers a monthly Junior Ranger program with different topics every month. One month, we did a program about the importance of prescribed fire in Florida State Parks, including our own. That day, the weather forecast wobbled between sunshine and full-blown thunderstorms. Gray clouds scared off just about everyone except Grandpa Thomas and Johnathan.
We were able to give Johnathan and his grandfather a full 1-on-1 experience to learn about prescribed fire. He practiced using the hoses, got to watch us use a drip torch, had fun getting hands-on with all the bits and bobs of the fire truck with our park manager, and overall had a much richer experience than if we’d had a group. The day started off looking like it was going to be a big flop, but it turned into a very special memory for everyone. I still have a picture of Junior Ranger Johnathan on our fire truck with the park manager above my desk.”
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career as a park ranger, and how have they influenced your work?
“I have been fortunate to have had some amazing mentors in the park service, but the ones who stand out the most are my two supervisors from the AmeriCorps program ‘Florida Conservation Corps.’ JulieAnne and Craig are different in so many ways, but they both exemplified compassionate and effective leadership, the many forms inclusion can take, and holding oneself to a higher standard. I am forever grateful for my time in the Florida Conservation Corps. Their guidance launched my career in a way no other opportunity could have.”
LOCAL LAKE CITY RECOMMENDATIONS
After you visit Ichetucknee Springs State Park, there are many other things to do and see in Lake City and Columbia County as a whole. Caitlin provided us with some great local recommendations of places you won’t want to miss as you continue exploring Lake City—Florida’s Springlands.
Are there any nearby attractions or activities in Lake City you recommend for visitors looking to explore the area further?
Alligator Lake Park
County parks deserve just as much love as our state parks. This park offers 12-miles of hiking and biking trails wandering around cypress-lined lake and marshes. The park attracts all kinds of wildlife, including migratory songbirds.
Falling Creek Falls
At this park, tannic water flows over limestone boulders at the bottom of a ravine. The sidewalk also takes you through an open meadow past historic structures from the original settlement of Falling Creek. This is a good park for a short walk that still takes you away from the day-to-day rush.”
Do you have any favorite local spots visitors should check out?
“I always tell visitors to our park that they should visit O’Leno State Park while they are in the area. It’s among the oldest state parks in Florida and has lots of Civilian Conservation Corps influence from the 1930s. The Santa Fe River winds through the park, and the trails are incredibly peaceful.”
Ready to experience the timeless charm of Ichetucknee Springs State Park for yourself? Plan your visit today and experience the crystal-clear springs, fascinating wildlife, and one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures that await in Lake City—Florida’s Springlands!
