For hundreds of years the Timucuan Indians made the spring area their home. The spring run, river and the surrounding swamps and uplands provided food, clothing, shelter and materials for tools and weapons. Snails gathered from sandbars were staple food for these people. Over the centuries, the discarded shells formed a massive mound.

Three years after England acquired Florida from Spain, John Bartram, a prominent British botanist, explored the St. Johns River in search of resources of value to the Crown. On January 4, 1766, he rowed his boat past sunning alligators into the clear waters of Blue Spring.

By the mid-1800's, most of the Indians had been killed or driven south and pioneer settlers took their place. In 1872, the Thursby family built a large frame house atop the Indians' shellmound, safe from the floodwaters of the St. Johns. The pilings of the steamboat dock remain, relics of a bygone area.

Hours of Operation

Blue Spring State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Take exit 114 off Interstate 4 and follow the signs. Go south on 17-92 to Orange City, about 2.5 miles. Make a right onto West French Avenue.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - $5.00 per vehicle Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Camping Fee
All Year: $20.00 plus tax

Cabin Fee
All Year: $80.00 plus tax

Blue Spring State Park 2100 West French Avenue Orange City, Florida 32763 Phone: 386-775-3663 Fax: Contact Park for Number Park Manager: Daniel Paul