Our wild and wonderful river.
Amazing views from Rainbow Springs State Park.
The Rainbow River is located in Dunnellon, Florida, United States, in the southwest corner of Marion County, about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Ocala, 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Orlando and 100 miles (160 km) north of the Tampa Bay area. It is formed by a first-magnitude spring (Rainbow Springs) that is ranked fourth in the state for volume of discharge. In addition to the springs located at the headwaters, there are many smaller springs that discharge from numerous caves, rock crevices, and sand boils the entire length of the river.
The Rainbow River is a gently winding river that is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, Florida. The headwaters, Rainbow Springs, is the anchor for Rainbow Springs State Park. This first-magnitude spring is not one large vent but is numerous vents that issue 400 - 600 million gallons of crystalline water every day.
Small town charm. Big time fun.
Dunnellon is a quaint city in Marion County, Florida with a population of 1,733. When you stay with us at Rainbow River Place, there’s a good chance you won’t want to leave the property. If you do feel like venturing out, there are a lot of great things to eat, see and do. Below are just a few of our favorites.
Eats around town:
Swampy’s, located directly on the Rainbow River.
Swampy’s: Dine directly on the Rainbow River.
19773 E Pennsylvania Ave. - Phone: (352) 547-4777
Gruff's Tap and Grille: Tasty, standard pub fare.
12084 S Williams St. - Phone: (352) 465-2881
The Blue Gator: Directly on the Withlacoochee river.
12189 S Williams St. - Phone: (352) 465-1635
Stumpknockers (20 min. drive): Great, casual seafood.
13821 SW Highway 200 - Phone: (352) 854-2288
Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop: Country cookin’ made from scratch.
US Hwy 41 S, Dunnellon - Phone: (352) 489-4708
Things to do:
Rainbow Springs State Park
The history of the Rainbow Springs State Park dates back centuries to a time when native peoples regularly visited the lush spring. Although the modern era has seen the land shaped by both enterprising developers and the loving hands of local volunteers, the draw of the beautifully serene park endures.
KP Hole Park
A great place to launch a tube run, the K.P. Hole is one of many public parks in Marion County that highlights the area’s natural beauty.
KP Hole Park is a great place to swim and launch your tubes.
Swim with the manatees
Several companies in Crystal River offer chances to swim with manatees. River Adventures is one of our favorites. A three-hour encounter will run you about $65.
Airboat rides
Nothing says backcountry fun quite like an airboat ride. Call Capt. Bob Jewett and book your tour. Departs out of the Angler’s Resort here in Dunnellon.
Take a ride with Capt. Bob Jewett on the Blue Gator Express.
Glass bottom boat rental
Rent your own glass bottom boat to cruise around the Rainbow River.
Silver Springs State Park
Ride the world famous glass bottom boats. Silver Springs State Park is a Florida State Park located on the Silver River in Marion County. The park contains Silver Springs, Florida's first tourist attraction.
Silver Springs’ world famous glass bottom boats.
“There was WAY more stuff to do in town than we thought!”