Summer’s Last Hurrah, Visit Refreshing Ichetucknee Springs

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Gauging by sizzling temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index well over the century mark, the dog days of summer are officially here.

Summer camps are quickly becoming only fond memories, as are the thoughts of a seemingly endless summer. With the first days of August around the corner, back-to-school time is looming just over the horizon as school in Alachua County is scheduled to begin Aug. 10.

In the meantime, hot, humid and sticky is an appropriate explanation for the lethargy that seems to have not only affected people, but our four-legged friends as well.  Mother Nature has indeed blessed Florida with sunshine — and heat.  It’s just too hot to think about doing much of anything – unless Ichetucknee Springs comes to mind.

As many locals know, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a refreshing experience. Its unspoiled beauty, together with surrounding wilds, has become and remains a Florida treasure.   Each of us discovers this treasure only once, but is likely drawn back again and again to experience firsthand what Native Americans called “Ichetucknee,” meaning “pond of the beaver.”

North Central Floridians often, and mistakenly, take for granted this virtual paradise consisting of 2,669 acres. Inside the boundaries of the park, a series of springs creates the clear Ichetucknee River, which flows toward the southwest for approximately six miles.  It is often the visitor who reminds us of the magical bounty we have in our own back yard.

To the uninitiated, floating down a crystal-clear meandering river in an inner tube for one to three hours is exhilarating.  Add to that, the Florida sun casting shadows through the cedar and maple trees as first-time tubers leisurely float down the cooling waters.  Not much can surpass the serenity of leaning back against a gently rocking tube and drinking in nature’s beauty while dangling one’s feet in the refreshing water.

But the real thrill experienced by visitors is their amazement about the springs that were declared a “National Natural Landmark” by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1972.

Millions of gallons of pristine water gush out of the earth, forming crystal pools of water reflecting colors of pale blues and mysterious blacks in Florida’s sun.  The constant average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round refreshes the hot and weary.

Now is the time to “take the remedy.”  Visit Ichetucknee State Park, if only for a few hours.  Visitors don’t have to take all day, but why not?  What better place to spend time communing with Mother Nature than in this land of raw beauty and sparkling waters? And Memorial Day through Labor Day, fun seekers will find a full-service concession that offers food, refreshments, and outdoor items.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. till sundown for the bargain rate of $6 per vehicle. But according to the park’s Web site, if you are planning on a Saturday or Sunday float down the river, arrive early as the park is quite popular on weekends and when the parking lot fills up, you may not be able to enter. Effective June 19, 2023: Ichetucknee Springs State Park frequently closes due to capacity limits. During this time, gates will be closed and visitors will not be able to enter. Gates reopen when space is available. Also, effective June 19, the South Takeout is closed to vehicles through Oct. 1. Unless capacity has been met, visitors can access the South Takeout via tram or trails located at the south main entrance.

The south entrance to the park is located west of Ft. White, off U.S. 27. Total distance from Ft. White to the park’s north entrance is 5.9 miles. Ticket windows in the front of the general store sell transportation wrist bands for the park tram shuttle servicing primarily those tubing the Ichetucknee as well as van/bus transportation for paddlers to the river’s headwaters at the north entrance.

Rather than spending another day wiping your brow, kick back, cool off and relax.  Mother Nature gives us “dog days” so we will appreciate her other gifts all the more.

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