Park Summary for Print - Fanning Springs State Park

Welcome to Fanning Springs State Park

Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Fanning Springs produces an average of 65 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida´s 33 first magnitude springs. Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day; fishing is also a popular recreation. Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River as well as by car. Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, and the park's large open areas for Frisbee, football, soccer and also for several local events. A nature trail and boardwalk overlook the spring and river. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. Manatees sometimes visit the spring during the winter months. Reserve a canoe or kayak by calling Suwannee River Tours at (352) 490-0909. Located on U.S. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fanning Springs State Park, please call 352-463-3420.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Fanning Springs State Park is located on U.S. Hwy. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $4.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle).

Single car occupant - $3.00

Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00 per person.

Motorcycle (one or two occupants) - $3.00.

When the Entrance Station is closed, an Honor Fee of $2.00 per car or $1.00 per person is payable at the pay station just beyond the Entrance Station.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees - $15.00/day for the large pavilion, $10.00/day for either of the two smaller pavilions.

Primitive Camping - For Suwannee River Wildnerness Trail users only - $4.00 per person.

Scuba Diving Fee - $10.00 plus tax per diver.

Cabins Rental Fee - $90.00 plus tax.

Activities at Fanning Springs State Park

	Boating Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though because Fanning Springs' short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. Entrance fee from the water is $1.00 per person.
	Cabins Conserve water and energy… … and help us save nature’s resources while vacationing in a beautiful Florida State Park cabin. Florida state parks will begin a new initiative for cabin guests on July 1, 2009, which will save water, detergent, electricity and related costs. Florida state parks will no longer supply bedroom, bathroom or kitchen linens for cabin or yurt stays, including sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads, bed covers, towels (bath towels, hand towels, face towels, or dish towels), or bathmats. When making reservations, available beds and bed sizes may be found by looking online at the Site Type details pages for the cabins. Each of our cabins can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. These spacious two-bedroom cabins have centralized heating and cooling, a gas fireplace, screened-in porch, and kitchenette. They are fully equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. One of the cabins is ADA accessible. Pets are not permitted in the cabins or cabin area. No minimum or maximum stay is required. Cabin Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America. Cabins Rental Fee - $90.00 plus tax.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Fanning Springs is an ideal place to begin or end a Suwannee River canoe journey. Fanning Springs is centrally located to paddle down river to Manatee Springs State Park (7 miles) or to numerous up stream locations. For those who like shorter paddle trips, enjoy exploring the spring run and river surrounding the park. Bring your own craft or canoes and kayaks may be rented from the park's concessionaire. ADA restrooms are located by the concession stand by the main spring and at the "wayside" area located near highway 19.
	Fishing Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Paddlers may launch from park facilities to access the river. A State of Florida fishing license is required. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails Hikers can stroll along the park’s nature trail. This 3/4 mile long nature trail takes visitors through an area clear cut of pines several decades ago. Today an upland mixed hardwood and pine forest community exist. Many of the trees in the forest are over 60 feet tall, creating a dense canopy. The ground, covered by a thick layer of leaf mulch helps conserve the moisture of the sandy-clay soil. Along the trail is a series of sinkholes; depressions formed by the collapse of underground caverns. These sinkholes are indicative of karst topography. Animals typically observed in the mixed forest community include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, red shouldered hawk, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, eastern glass lizard, and red bellied, gulf hammock rat, rough green and coral snakes.
	Pets Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Fanning Springs State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the cabins, cabin area, buildings, swimming or picnic areas.
	Picnicking Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for rent for $10 or $15 per day, according to size. Tables are also available on a first come first serve basis. Additional picnicking facilities are available overlooking the Suwannee River at the Riverside area adjacent to the park. These tables are all on a first come first serve basis.
	Scuba Diving Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water. Diving fees are $10.00 plus tax per person, minimum of two divers.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Put on your mask and fins and see what lies below the spring water.
	Swimming Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can jump from a platform into the deepest part of the swim area or wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a designated shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. There is no charge for playing in the swimming and picnicking area of Fanning Springs State Park!
	Wildlife Viewing White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park.

Special Events for Fanning Springs State Park

“SPRINGS AND BLOOMS” GARDEN FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009. 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Description: Fanning Springs State Park will Host a festival emphasizing environmentally friendly techniques for watering, fertilizing and pest control practices for the home gardener on March 21, 2009.

The festival will host displays of irrigation, plant fertilization and pest management presented by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Nature Coast Master Gardeners Association

There will be demonstrations on xeriscaping and guided walks showcasing native landscaping in the park, as well as native and ornamental plant sales, food, children’s games and live music. There will be drawings for free plant and prizes all day.

For more information about the event, visit SPRINGS AND BLOOMS.

Fees: This event is free!
Contact: For more information, call 352-463-3420.

Fanning Springs State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about Fanning Springs State Park

Question: Do you have scuba diving?
Answer: Scuba diving is allowed with proof of certification and when following safety guidelines. The cost is $10.00 plus tax per diver.

Question: How big is the park?
Answer: It covers approximately 200 acres.

Question: How do I get there?
Answer: We are located where the Suwannee River and US19 meet in the city of Fanning Springs.

Question: How deep is the spring?
Answer: The deepest part of the spring is 12 to 14 feet deep.

Question: How does the spring work and where does it go?
Answer: Local rain falls and soaks through the ground down into layers of limestone. This porous layer of limestone is known as the Florida Aquifer. The limestone is exposed here along the banks of the Suwannee River. The water flows out through cracks and pores forming a spring. It makes a "run" down the bank and empties into the river.

Question: Where can I camp?
Answer: Manatee Springs State Park - (352) 493-6072,
Hart Springs (Gilchrist County Park) - (352) 463-3444,
Original Suwannee River Campground - (352) 542-7680

Question: Where can I eat?
Answer: During the warmer months a food concession operates at the park. There are many types of restaurants in our area.

Question: What type of wildlife and plants will we see?
Answer: Some animals you may readily see are gray squirrels and red shoulder hawks. White tail deer and raccoons are more active at night but are occasionally seen during the day. If the weather is cold manatees may be warming themselves in the springs. Summertime is your best chance to see a gopher tortoise. Look in open, grassy areas for their sandy burrows. Some trees that grow here are red and live oaks, loblolly and long leaf pines, bald cypress, red bays and cabbage palms. Smaller plants are beauty berries, coonties and yaupon hollies.

Fanning Springs State Park History

Nearby Fort Fanning was built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War. The Fort was originally called "Palmetto", but was renamed in honor of Colonel Alexander Campbell Wilder Fannin (1788-1846). Made of wood, and situated in a warm humid climate, remnants of the actual fort have long since disappeared.

Colonel Fannin served under General Andrew Jackson in the First Seminole War. As a lieutenant at the beginning of the Second Seminole War he was noted for outstanding service when he lead a charge in a battle near the Withlacoochee River. His objective, during the Second Seminole War, was to capture Seminoles for deportation to the West.

Until railroads crossed the Suwannee River early this century, the Fanning Springs area served as local boat landing. Products such as cotton, lumber, turpentine, and other plantation products would be loaded and hauled off while household and farm supplies would be received.

Fanning Springs State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers are very valuable to Fanning Springs State Recreation Area. Without the volunteers many of the services offered by the park would be lost. Volunteers help with construction and maintenance projects, resource management projects, special events, and much, much more. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Fanning Springs simply contact the volunteer coordinator.

PARK PURSUES PADDLE PATROL PARTICIPANTS
--State park seeks to recruit volunteers to lead paddling trips--

In preparation for the upcoming "manatee season" Manatee Springs and Fanning Springs State Parks will be holding an Interpretive training session for potential participants in the parks "paddle patrol."

Both parks are well known for their scenic location on the banks of the Suwannee River. They are equally well known for the manatees that frequent the parks and adjacent waters of the Suwannee River. From December through April the parks conduct weekly manatee paddles from Fanning Springs to Manatee Springs on the Suwannee River. These popular Interpretive programs are usually filled to capacity.

Interpretation is simply the art of connecting people with their environment at an emotional level.

Individuals wishing to become trip leaders are invited to an Orientation and Interpretive workshop on Thursday November 10th, 2005 at Manatee Springs or at Fanning Springs on Saturday November 12th, 2005. Both workshops begin at noon and will last about two hours. Refreshments will be served by the park's Citizen Support Organization (CSO). Ideal participants should have enough paddling experience and skills to feel comfortable leading a trip with an awareness of safety and comfort of other paddlers.

Additional training will be provided to those wishing to become involved. Space is limited so please call Park Services Specialist, John Lohde at 352-493-6823 to reserve a place or for more information.

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