Blue Spring State Park – See the Manatees

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Blue Spring State Park is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs. This State Park is located just west of Orange City, Florida and boasts a wonderful mix of natural beauty, wildlife, outdoor activities, and history all rolled up into one experience. It’s a park that captures the eye and the imagination and is a must-visit for any Florida trip. 

From mid-November to March is the perfect time to see these magnificent creatures, also known as sea cows.  We made a stop earlier this year in February, still at peak season. The crystal clear water allows for a great view of the manatees, sometimes even a young calf.

 

Blue Spring State Park is famous for its wintering Manatee population, trails, water activities, and more. Encompassing part of the St. Johns River and Blue Spring Run, plus home to the historic Thursby House, the park is equal parts natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and regional history all in one. 

The average temperature of the water is 72 degrees, which the manatees love.  Anything before 68 can be dangerous for them.

 

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is much more than a scenic area for outdoor and nature lovers. It’s a vital part of the Floridian ecosystem and home to one of Florida’s most famous and beloved animals – the manatee.

While Blue Spring has been a part of Florida’s history since the 1700s, it wasn’t until 1972 that the area became a State Park. After filming an episode on manatees for his television show, Jacques Cousteau helped champion the cause of turning Blue Spring into a State Park. Its pristine waters serve a vital role in the survival of manatee, providing the perfect wintering grounds for manatee cows.  Who remembers watching Cousteau on TV?

Through filming the show, the importance of this area became extremely apparent to Cousteau, and in 1972, his efforts and those working with him paid off. Blue Spring State Park was established as a State Park and protected area for both manatees to stay safe and humans to enjoy their beauty and the beauty of the surrounding area. 

Things to Do and Outdoor Activities

While seeing the majestic manatees that call this area home for certain parts of the year might be the first thing people think of when they think of the park, there’s so much more to experience. The park offers a wide and varied list of activities ranging from camping to fishing, wildlife viewing, and more. 

The area offers opportunities for camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, watersports, and much, much more. There’s something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy at the park. For those who gravitate more toward the natural beauty of nature than its pulse-pounding elements, the park offers boat tours and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, as well. 

Some activities will be limited during the Manatee season for their safety.

While walking the boardwalk, you might encounter a park ranger, or rover.  Feel free to ask them questions about the park or manatees.

The Manatees

Of course, the park is most famous for its residents, the manatees, and visiting the park from mid-November through March offers the chance to see hundreds of manatees congregate in the spring run as they seek shelter from the colder winter waters. During this time, it’s almost impossible not to see the manatees as they bask in the warm waters of Blue Spring, avoiding the colder waters of the surrounding waterways. 

Did you notice the white attachment?  Those are tracking devices.

How Many Manatees are There at Blue Spring State Park?   

The numbers have grown over the past 30 years, with a record setting day on January 24, 2024, of 932.  That would have been awesome to see.

There will be a sign at the entrance indicating the number for the day – ours was 128. 

Follow their FACEBOOK PAGE for the daily count and daily activities.

The Thursby House

History buffs will enjoy visiting the Thursby House, as well. Built 150 years ago by Louis Thursby near the river, the house was erected in hopes that being near the river would help Thursby secure his wealth. He planted an orange grove and built a pier for passing steamships in hopes of promoting trade. While this initial idea offers a wealth of history, there’s so much more to the Thursby House. 

Unbeknownst to Thursby, he built his home on top of a rich archaeological site – a shell midden. Middens are large piles of debris left behind by prehistoric societies, and over the years, archaeologists have discovered a wealth of items that provide insight into the history of the area. Today, the Thursby House is a museum and interpretive center where visitors can learn about the history of the area from prehistoric times onward. 

 

Entering Blue Spring State Park

Weekends of course will be the busiest time to visit, so if you can make the trip during the week, I would suggest you do so.  We were there on a Sunday morning, and the line was very long to get in.  You drive down a dirt road and turn around to get in line.  Our wait was around 30 minutes, so it wasn’t that bad, but don’t expect just to drive in.  There is an admission fee, per car.  Parking was plentiful.  You will find a Camp Store with gifts, sandwiches, and other snacks.

Visit Blue Spring State Park

From manatees and other wildlife to beautiful waters, adventurous outdoor activities, tours, the historic Thursby House, and so much more, Blue Spring State Park has something for everyone. Whether you love camping and hiking, taking scenic river tours, or deep diving into the history of an area, Blue Spring State Park is the place to find what you love along with the absolute majesty of Mother Nature.

 

In Southern Floriday, visit Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center for more nature.  Watch out to see if you see and alligator.  

 

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