Manatee BINGO will return on 10-30!
We are very happy to report that after Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage to the home of Manatee Bingo: Riverwalk Pizzeria and Blue Spring Brewing in Orange City, repairs are in progress and the restaurant is now open with limited seating!
Manatee Bingo will return with a Spooktacular theme on Wednesday, October 30!
We are so thrilled to welcome you all back!
Until then, if you would like to donate to support the Friends Group, please see the tab above - Make a Donation. We appreciate you all!
Experience the enchantment of our moonlight hikes
Our Moonlight Hikes are a magical experience, showcasing the park's stunning beauty at night. Our full moon hikes are only once a month and are very popular! As we have a capacity limit, we encourage you to get your tickets soon at the link below.
On November 15th, please plan to arrive at the park around 5:00 PM.
At 5:30 we'll gather in front of the Manatee Outpost located in the Lower Parking Lot next to the restrooms.
The park closes at 5:45 PM; you'll receive an after-hours pass for your dashboard before then.
What to bring:
- Flashlights
- Bug spray
- Closed-toe shoes
- Water
Important Notes:
- No flashing or light-up sneakers
- Please don't bring pets on the hike
- The hike will cover 1-1.5 miles, depending on trail access, and last until around 7:00 PM
- The terrain includes sidewalks and sandy soils with some roots and trip hazards
Park entry fees are not included. Typical fees are $4 for a 1 person car and $6 for up to 8 in a car.
The hike will be canceled in case of inclement weather.Â
At the conclusion, all visitors will be asked to promptly exit the park.Â
Enjoy the serene night-time scenery! 🌌🌿
Adopt-A-Manatee® in Partnership with Save the Manatee Club
The Friends have teamed up with Save the Manatee Club to offer you a special opportunity! When you symbolically adopt a real living manatee through this link, you not only support the efforts of the Club, you also support us, the Friends of Blue Spring State Park!
Tracked Chair Now Available
Mobility challenged guests can experience the scenic trails in Blue Spring State Park using an all-terrain chair. The chair is FREE, but reservations are required.
Please use the link below to make your reservation!
There are multiple trails where the chair can be taken. Some trails thread through palmetto patches, pine scrub or oak hammocks. Other trails follow gentle curves under the canopy of large oak trees.
It's common to see deer along the trails and occasionally one can see (from a distance), wild hogs, a variety of small mammals or even a bear.
We hope to see you on the trails!
THANK YOU FOR LEAVING YOUR MARK AT BLUE SPRING STATE PARK
We are very sorry to announce that due to a decision at the state level, the brick order program has ended.
The bricks will remain on display at the park to share your memories, memorials, gratitude, and appreciation!
All brick purchases that were completed by July 31st have been checked in. Installation was delayed due to hurricane damages and will be completed as soon as possible.
Thank you for your support of this program. Your donations really made a difference as all proceeds benefitted the park.
Closures at Blue Spring State Park
Effective April 2024: In-water activities are closed while we stabilize the shoreline at Blue Spring State Park. This closure includes swimming, snorkeling, tubing, diving, and paddling in the spring run and spring head. Boat tours and paddling are only allowed in the St. Johns River. Visitors are asked to adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas when visiting the park.
Why are we conducting the shoreline stabilization?
The stabilization project is necessary because the flow of water from the first magnitude spring has created an undercut along the shoreline. Undercuts can be dangerous for wildlife, recreation, and important artifacts.
While the stabilization project is underway, other improvements including an upgraded manatee release area, an improved swimming platform, and a new boardwalk along the spring run to the spring head will also be constructed.
Blue Spring Adventures will maintain their St. Johns River Nature Cruise, along with paddleboard, canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals during the closure.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and park events.
We hope to welcome you back to being in and on Blue Spring in 2025.
calling all corporate and family sponsors:
Wouldn't your logo or family photo look great here? Please see the Memberships tab above.
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The Head Spring - October 2024
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LOCATION:
2100 W. French Ave
Orange City, FL 32763
HOURS:
The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
ADMISSION FEES:
Admission: $6 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
RESTRICTIONS:
Please note that the spring run is closed every year from November to March for Manatee Season.
In 2024, the spring run is closed from April to October for restoration and improvement projects.
If you have additional questions, please check out Florida State Park - Blue Spring for additional information
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