Dive into Florida's Springlands.

Make A Splash on the Water

Seventy-two degrees. That’s the temperature our spring waters stay 365 days a year. Chilly, but not too chilly — and oh so refreshing, especially in the summer months. In the winter months, there’s not as much swimming and tubing, but you’ll still enjoy kayaking down lazy, spring-fed rivers, and experiencing a different kind of chill. (One that might even require a light jacket.)

Florida’s Springlands has several named springs, a couple of which — Ichetucknee Springs and Ginnie Springs — are renowned throughout the Southeast. Others are more remote and quiet. All of them are wonderful outdoor recreation spots that will enchant you with their scenery and provide you with an unforgettable nature experience.

Along with springs, Florida’s Springlands are also dotted with freshwater lakes. Some, like Lake Isabella, are part of scenic parks in Lake City, but others — such as Ocean Pond — can be found in lush, green Osceola National Forest. Our lakes are perfect for boating, water skiing, swimming, paddle boarding, and fishing. Anglers catch an array of species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, brown trout and a few types of catfish.

When you combine our springs and lakes, Lake City, Florida’s Springlands is simply a watery paradise.

people paddleboarding on ichetucknee springs

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

The perfect place to cool out in crystalline 72-degree spring water is at Ichetucknee Springs State in Lake City, Florida’s Springlands.

Floating Kayaking Paddleboarding Swimming

Ichetucknee Springs State Park’s 2,669 acres provide wonderful swimming and river activities, a haven for wildlife, and eight crystalline natural springs.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park’s 2,669 acres provide wonderful swimming and river activities, a haven for wildlife, and eight crystalline natural springs.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the jewel of Gilchrist County, a hugely popular vacation spot because of its Spring Run and the High Spring.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the jewel of Gilchrist County, a hugely popular vacation spot because of its Spring Run and the High Spring.
Fanning Springs is located along the Suwannee River and is home to one of only 33 first magnitude springs in the state, producing 65 million gallons of water per day.

Fanning Springs Florida

Fanning Springs Florida

Fanning Springs is located along the Suwannee River and is home to one of only 33 first magnitude springs in the state, producing 65 million gallons of water per day.
With everything from underwater cave systems to beautiful clear springs, Ginnie Springs is known for everything from scuba diving and snorkeling to kayaking, swimming and camping.

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs

With everything from underwater cave systems to beautiful clear springs, Ginnie Springs is known for everything from scuba diving and snorkeling to kayaking, swimming and camping.
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is a world-famous spot for cave diving, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park

Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park is a world-famous spot for cave diving, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
Rum Island’s second magnitude spring forms a 200-meter swimming hole filled with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing.

Rum Island Spring and Park

Rum Island Spring and Park

Rum Island’s second magnitude spring forms a 200-meter swimming hole filled with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing.

Watertown Lake
Watertown Lake is a pristine 46-acre lake, full of local species of fish such as bass, blue gill, brim, and more. Watertown Lake features a boat ramp area, parking, and wonderful wildlife viewing. Great for the avid fisherman or a relaxing day on the lake.
Lake Desoto
Located in historic downtown Lake City, Lake Desoto has been a gathering place for locals and visitors for many years. Fishing, biking, walking, and picnicking are available here. In addition, a variety of different birds, waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife make this an ideal place for wildlife watching.
Lake City Dive Center and Training Academy
Lake City Dive Center and Training Academy is a full-service dive shop, featuring a retail store, classrooms, and a complete service area with compressors to fill scuba tanks. They also have banked Nitrox, Trimix, and 100% Oxygen. Lake City Dive Center is a Dive Rite Dealer as well as other brands of equipment. A variety of scuba trainings are offered, including, open water diver to instructor, PADI and IANTD courses, public safety dive instruction, as well as cavern through full cave and Trimix. Lake City Dive Center is an SDI/TDI/ERDI professional training center.
Paddling Adventures at Ichetucknee Springs
Paddling Adventures is the only kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rental facility located inside Ichetucknee Springs State Park. At Paddling Adventures, you are given the opportunity to paddle the Ichetucknee River (2-2.5 hours) or the Ichetucknee to the Santa Fe River (5-6 hours). There are multiple watercraft options to choose from, and equipment as well as shuttle service, which is included in rental fees. They also offer shuttle service to those bringing their own vessels. Reservations are accepted Monday to Thursday, while Friday to Sunday is first-come-first-serve. Group rates are available for corporate, civic, church, veterans, and non-profit groups.