Travelling northbound on I-75, you see several exits for the party college-town of Gainesville. However, if you continue on about 15 more minutes, you come across a small town called High Springs. Aptly named, this town is speckled with several springs; some charted, some not.
The town itself is quaint and charming in its rustic country way. There are antique shops, historic homes, mom-and-pop stores, and for the outdoorsy-type: Ginnie Springs. Ginnie Springs sits right on the border of Alachua and Gilcrist counties in the heart of some dense woodland. But, don't let the rugged terrain fool you, a few dirt roads soon give way to a wonderland you have to see to believe.
Like glimmering sapphires carelessly strewn about a blanket of cypress and pine trees, the springs themselves are breathtaking. There are seven different springs on the 200+ acre property. A day trip will set you back $10, but $16 will buy you a night beneath the stars in one of their many campsites. (Don't worry, for those more civilization-inclined, there are several bathrooms with hot running water and showers). Each spring offers something different.
Devil's Eye and Devil's Ear are twin springs which open up to miles of underground cave (experienced cave-divers only). For peace and quiet, Little Deer Spring is secluded and out of the way with its gently flowing crystal-clear water bubbling up from a tiny crack in the sandy bottom. Ginnie Spring, itself, is the largest and most brilliant of the seven springs. It is nearly 30 feet deep and sits right on the Santa Fe River. You'll find picnic areas surrounding the springs, complete with pavillions for parties. Sandy volleyball courts are available, as well as all the amenities you could use.
The Store offers a little bit of everything so you don't have to drive all the way back to town to pick them up. Food, drinks, cameras, fishing tackle, life jackets, swimwear, clothing, batteries... just about anything you may have forgotten, they probably have. Rentals are available as well. From canoes, to tubes for the river, to masks and snorkels; you can rent for the whole day. If you get hungry and don't feel like lighting up that campfire, visit Ginnie's Deli. For sandwiches and snacks at a reasonable price prepared right in front of you, that's the way to go.
The water stays 72 degrees year-round, so it's always a good time for Ginnie Springs. If you get tired of swimming, hiking, and tubing, you can always take a short trip into the town of High Springs. You'll see that not much has changed around these parts in decades. The folks are real friendly, so stop in and shoot the breeze with a few natives, or just soak up the local culture at Bev's Burger joint, just before the main highway. All-in-all, High Springs has a little something for everyone to enjoy to appreciate the natural beauty of Florida.
About the Author
I am a native Floridian. I was born in Lake County, adopted, and grew up in Palm Beach County. I studied Conservation Ecology at Palm Beach Community College after graduating Highschool. Thanks to my father, I believe I adopted a love for all things natural that Florida has to offer. I became so adapted to it, that, I sometimes forget that it is so awestriking for out-of-towners. I take advantage of the simpler things, such as fishing, camping, photographing. However, I still enjoy the occasional splurge of an all-inclusive resort vacation once in a while. I guess you can just call me "Nature Girl".
