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-   -   Ichatucknee Springs State Park - Anyone been there? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/ichatucknee-springs-state-park-anyone-been-there-248363/)

JDay Aug 10th, 2002 04:20 PM

Ichatucknee Springs State Park - Anyone been there?
 
My family would like to plan a trip to Ichatucknee Springs State Park. Has anyone been rafting there? Does it have a website? I can't seem to find one. Would appeciate any shared experiences there. Thanks.

Lori Aug 10th, 2002 04:35 PM

In North Florida?

Polly Aug 10th, 2002 05:20 PM

We have been there twice, but many years ago. My now-adult children still talk about it as one of the most fun vacation activities we experienced. My very dated brochure does not have a website (I dont think there WERE websites the last time we went!! LOL!) but it is a state park. Surely you can retrieve information by searching for Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recreation and Parks. Ichetucknee Springs is the spelling showing in this pamphlet.<BR><BR>Location: West of I-75 just north of Gainesville: go west on Route 27; North on Route 47; West on Route 238 to Northern park entrance.<BR><BR>Enjoy!!! I want to go back and am most envious.

Polly Aug 10th, 2002 05:22 PM

Forgot to say one thing: When we were there it was for tubing, not rafting. Might have changed in the interim. They rent you inner tubes from gigantic tractor tires, you jump in, park your keister in the center...and float and splash and cavort in the cool, cool, cool natural spring water.

Jen Aug 10th, 2002 07:11 PM

I have not been to Ichetucknee but several other springs in the area. It is a great part of Florida. <BR><BR>Hope this site works for you:<BR><BR>http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district2/ichetuckneesprings/index.asp<BR><BR>Best wishes!

Jane Aug 11th, 2002 04:10 AM

We've been several times. It's not rafting, but you can rent small 2 or 3 person inflatables as well as tubes. You rent these along the highway on the way to the park, there are no rentals in the park. It can get very busy getting into the park and at the putin, so go early if it's a busy time. The scenery is beautiful, the water cold (I prefer the small boat with a bottom so my rear doesn't freeze) but kids don't think it too cold. It's a great family outing.<BR>Jane

Bubba Aug 11th, 2002 05:27 AM

During the summer months, it's pretty much wall-to-wall tubes - they limit it to 750 tubers/day. Kids are already back in school in N Fla/So Ga, so this would be a good time of year to go - I'd recommend during the week.<BR>Their tubing season is June 1-Labor Day and off-season is early Sept-May 31.<BR>I've gone canoeing there in the winter time, and that time of year is awesome.<BR>I was there in Jan one year, and didn't see another person.<BR>For info:<BR>Ichetucknee Springs State Park<BR>Route 2, Box 108<BR>Fort White, FL 32038<BR>904-497-2511<BR>Have fun!

JDay Aug 11th, 2002 05:49 AM

Thanks to all the Posters. Very Helpful. Tried above Poster's website ... still didn't access it. Anybody else have a website? Thanks.

Bubba Aug 11th, 2002 06:41 AM

Try this one:<BR>www.abfla.com/parks/Ichetucknee/ichetucknee.html

RB Aug 11th, 2002 06:55 AM

We tubed this river a couple of years ago- really fun on a hot day, water can get really chilly! This area is great for divers- Ginnie Springs is good. I couldn't access the FL state park site; but try this one:<BR>http://www.floridainfo.com/travel/northeas/mustsee/iche.htm<BR>In searching, I see that a cement plant had planned to build on the river; does anyone have information on the outcome?

Jen Aug 11th, 2002 08:15 AM

Sorry that the state site would not come up. If you go to www.myflorida.com and do a search on Ichetucknee Springs - you should be able to access the official site although I am sure you have received plenty of helpful info.

Postal Aug 11th, 2002 06:37 PM

If you want a good meal before or after tubing the Ichetucknee, I highly recommend Floyd's Diner in the town of High Springs just a few miles away. It's a 50's diner and the food is very good!

JDay Aug 12th, 2002 02:39 AM

Thanks to all the posters! Great information! I was able to access the website through the one provided by above poster RB. Thank you again for all your help.


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