The area that today comprises Blue Spring State Park was home to Native Americans for centuries, but did not receive white settlers until 1856 when Louis Thursby and his family purchased the land and built a house that stands to this day. The St. Johns River became an important shipping lane and, by the 20th century, a major attraction for tourists who came to see the spring and its native manatees. It was not until the 1970s that the state of Florida purchased the land and formed a state park to protect it.
The St. Johns River is home to a large and growing population of West Indian manatees, and Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge. The spring keeps the water at a consistent 72 to 73 degrees, providing an ideal winter refuge for these animals. For this reason, the spring and spring run are closed to the public from November 15 to March 1. You can canoe, kayak, snorkel or scuba dive in the river throughout the rest of the year, but you must keep a respectful distance from manatees at all times.
Manatees may be a major draw at Blue Spring State Park, but they are far from the only attraction. The river is open to fishing, and with a Florida freshwater fishing license you can cast a line for bass, gar, sunfish and other species. You can also explore the park on a self-guided boardwalk trail, or pack a lunch and enjoy either of the park's two picnic areas, which have covered shelters, picnic tables and charcoal grills. You can go swimming or tubing in the river, or rent a canoe or kayak at St. Johns River Cruises (sjrivercruises.com).
If you'd like to extend your visit overnight, campsites and cabins are available year round in Blue Spring. Camping is open to tents as well as RVs, and each campsite has a grill, picnic table, drinking water and electrical hookup. The campground is within walking distance of the spring and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. If you prefer less rustic accommodations, you can choose among six two-bedroom cabins that sleep up to six people. The cabins all have heating, cooling, screened porches, outdoor grills, beds, bathrooms and furnished kitchens. Reservations are available by phone or through Reserve America.
