Paddle the springs. Discover small-town charm. Stay somewhere unforgettable. 9:00 AM — Springs Adventure – Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures Start your morning surrounded by the natural beauty of North Central Florida. Paddle through clear spring-fed waters by kayak or paddleboard and experience the peaceful scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation that make the High Springs area a […]

Adventure above the trees, cool off at a local park, and enjoy the flavors and charm of our community. 9:00 AM — Soar into the Day Zip! At Haile Quarry  Begin your morning with an exciting zipline experience. Soar through the trees, enjoy the natural surroundings, and make lasting memories during an outdoor adventure designed […]

Experience the charm of a real working farm in the heart of North Central Florida.

8 Springs in 8 miles is the perfect way to become one with nature. This is a trip for everyone.

Nestled along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River in High Springs, Poe Springs Park is one of Alachua County’s most popular outdoor destinations. Known for its crystal-clear spring waters and family-friendly atmosphere, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty that makes North Central Florida famous.

The centerpiece of the park is Poe Spring, a second-magnitude freshwater spring

Located just south of High Springs in Gilchrist County, Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is home to one of Florida’s most impressive freshwater springs. Opened as Florida’s newest state park in 2017, the park protects more than 400 acres of natural landscapes, including crystal-clear springs, wetlands, and upland forests.

Located in neighboring Columbia County just a short drive from High Springs, Rum Island Park is a beloved outdoor destination known for its crystal-clear spring, natural beauty, and easy access to the Santa Fe River. The park offers visitors a chance to experience one of North Central Florida’s most picturesque spring-fed environments while enjoying swimming, paddling, and wildlife viewing.

Located just north of High Springs near Fort White, Ichetucknee Springs State Park protects one of Florida’s most pristine spring systems and one of the state’s most iconic rivers. Covering more than 2,600 acres, the park is known for its crystal-clear springs, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreation, including tubing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming, birdwatching, and nature exploration.

8 Springs in 8 miles is the perfect way to become one with nature. This is a trip for everyone.

The Bald Cypress tree is a cornerstone of the American wetlands, commonly found along the banks of rivers, streams, and creeks, as well as within the slow-moving waters of swamps.

100% Free To Ride! Hop on and Hop Off All Day from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

There is always something incredible happening in and around High Springs.

That’s why we have the Springs Gateway Newsletter—your direct line to the absolute best of our area, delivered straight to your inbox.

Springs Gateway is your source for everything High Springs, Florida.

The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is one of the most distinctive mammals in North America. Often described as looking like a small, leathery cat, they are named for the nine flexible breaks in their armor-like hide. These fascinating creatures typically grow to be 15 to 17 inches long and weigh between 8 and 17 pounds. While they were originally native to more southern regions, they have expanded their range significantly, reaching Florida by the 1920s.

Chestnuts are a unique, nutrient-dense survival crop and a highly valued addition to home food forests and sustainable agriculture. Unlike most traditional nuts like pecans and walnuts, chestnuts are naturally low in fat (roughly 1–2 grams per 100-gram serving) and rich in complex carbohydrates (about 53 grams per 100-gram serving), offering a soft, mildly sweet texture closer to a potato. A 100-gram edible portion of roasted chestnuts provides approximately 240 calories and 3–4 grams of protein.

If you hike through Florida’s dry pine flatwoods, scrubby pastures, or coastal dunes, you will likely encounter an unassuming mound of light-colored sand. Beside it sits a half-moon opening leading underground. Meet the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Florida’s ancient, land-dwelling engineer.

Fire ants are fascinating creatures from a biological and ecological perspective. Known scientifically as Solenopsis invicta, these insects are much more than just a backyard nuisance. They represent a complex social structure and an evolutionary success story that has allowed them to colonize vast territories across the globe, particularly in the southern United States.

If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to enjoy the great outdoors with your whole family, look no further than your own backyard! Butterfly watching has exploded in popularity across the Sunshine State, and for good reason. From city parks to vast natural preserves, these colorful insects are everywhere, waiting to be discovered. Florida: […]

The American Alligator: A Keystone Species of the Southeast The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is one of the most iconic and ancient inhabitants of the southeastern United States. As a keystone species, these reptiles play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of wetland ecosystems. From their prehistoric appearance to their complex social […]

The Bald Cypress tree is a cornerstone of the American wetlands, commonly found along the banks of rivers, streams, and creeks, as well as within the slow-moving waters of swamps.

The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the most vibrant birds in North America, easily identified by its namesake bright red head, stark white underside, and black back with a large white wing band. Found year-round in northern and central Florida, they prefer woodlots, farms, and pine savannas.

Whether you are out on a boat or taking a peaceful walk along the banks of a Florida lake, you might have noticed unusual clusters of eggs perched just above the water’s surface on vegetation or structures. These distinctive clutches belong to apple snails. While conducting routine fish surveys, freshwater fisheries biologists frequently encounter two […]

Did you know that turtles along the Santa Fe River in the southeastern United States can live well over 30 years?