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Fanning Springs State Park
Nearby Parks:
Manatee Springs State Park
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Fanning Springs State Park
18020 N.W. Highway 19
Fanning Springs, Florida 32693
Phone: 352-463-3420
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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| State Park Overview: |
| Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. As a strong 2nd magnitude springs, Fanning Springs provides refreshing swimming or snorkeling on a hot day. Visitors can enter the park by car or arrive by boat from the Suwannee river. Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, volleyball court or use the park's large open areas for ball games, throwing Frisbees, and also for events. There is a canoe/kayak launch available, a nature trail and a boardwalk that overlooks the river. In the summer the gazebo at the end of the boardwalk is a fine place to watch sturgeon jumping. Manatees are often seen in the springs during the winter months and occasionally in the summer. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the other animals seen in the park. Reserve a canoe or kayak by calling Suwannee Guides and Outfitters at (352) 542-8331. If you bring a pet please remember they must be on a hand held leash no longer than six feet. For the safety of our non-pet owning guests, there are restricted areas (the main picnic and swimming areas). Please observe signs and restrict pets to more remote sections of the park. The Park is located on U.S. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. |
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| Picnicking: |
| Picnickers can enjoy meals overlooking the beautiful spring area. Pavilions are available for rent for $10 or $15 per day, according to size. Tables are also available on a first come first serve basis. Additional picnicking facilities are available overlooking the Suwannee River at the Riverside area adjacent to the park. These tables are all on a first come first serve basis. |
| Boating: |
| Visitors wishing to come by boat may enter the park via the Suwannee River. Be careful though because Fanning Springs' short run may contain manatees and idle speeds are required. |
| Swimming: |
| Fanning Springs is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. Swimmers can jump from a platform into the deepest part of the swim area or wade in from the shore or dock. Toddlers and those just learning to swim can stay with their parents in a designated shallow area. The refreshing crystal-clear water is a cool 72 degrees year round. There is no charge for playing in the swimming and picnicking area of Fanning Springs State Park! |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing is permitted within the park in designated areas. Please contact park staff for exact locations. Paddlers may launch from park facilities to access the river. A State of Florida fishing license is required. |
| History of the Area: |
| Nearby Fort Fanning was built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War. The Fort was originally called "Palmetto", but was renamed in honor of Colonel Alexander Campbell Wilder Fannin (1788-1846). Made of wood, and situated in a warm humid climate, remnants of the actual fort have long since disappeared.
Colonel Fannin served under General Andrew Jackson in the First Seminole War. As a lieutenant at the beginning of the Second Seminole War he was noted for outstanding service when he lead a charge in a battle near the Withlacoochee River. His objective, during the Second Seminole War, was to capture Seminoles for deportation to the West.
Until railroads crossed the Suwannee River early this century, the Fanning Springs area served as local boat landing. Products such as cotton, lumber, turpentine, and other plantation products would be loaded and hauled off while household and farm supplies would be received. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Campgrounds | |  | Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - Bushnell, FL
Wynnhaven Riverside is located on County Road 48 in the small town of Bushnell, Florida. Whether you are visiting Florida and want sun or prefer to camp in the shade of Florida's grand oak trees, we have units available for both.
Web Site: http://www.wynnhavenriverside.com |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Scuba Diving
Open water scuba divers are welcome in the designated swimming area. Divers must have proper certification and are required to register with park staff before entering the water.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day. Put on your mask and fins and see what lies below the spring water. |
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