Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park opened in October 2017 as Florida's 175th state park — a vivid turquoise spring on the Santa Fe River surrounded by 407 acres of conservation land with five named springs, a nature trail past a 350-year-old cypress, and a quarter-mile spring run so clear you can count individual sunfish from the boardwalk.

As of October 29, 2025, all water activities at the park are closed for a major renovation. Swimming, snorkeling, and paddling are suspended. The concession (Anderson's Outdoor Adventures) has relocated to Poe Springs Park (~8 miles away). The picnic area, pavilion, and volleyball courts remain open — but if you're visiting for the water, call the park first.

This profile describes the park as it operates when fully open. Verify status before driving.

• Location: High Springs area (Gilchrist County), on the Santa Fe River
• Address: 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643
• Hours: 8 a.m.–sunset, 365 days (grounds only during renovation)
• Vehicle entry: $6
• Water temperature: 72°F year-round
• Magnitude: Second-magnitude (~44M gal/day)
• Named springs: 5 — Gilchrist Blue, Little Blue, Naked, Kiefer, Johnson
• River: Santa Fe River (spring run ~0.25 mile to river)
• Park size: 407 acres
• Status: WATER ACTIVITIES CLOSED as of Oct 29, 2025
• Phone: 386-454-1369

The spring was privately owned for six decades. Ed C. Wright gave it to Ruth B. Kirby as an engagement gift in 1958. After Wright's death in 1969, Ruth kept the property and eventually sold it to the State of Florida in 2017 for $5.2 million under the Florida Forever program. Ruth is the only person in Florida history to have owned two springs that became state parks — this one and Troy Springs. The park was renamed in her honor in 2019.

• Swimming in the turquoise spring basin — sandy beach, crystal-clear water, 72°F.
• Snorkeling — the quarter-mile spring run is an ideal beginner route; redbreast sunfish, bass, turtles.
• Kayaking and canoeing the Santa Fe River — the spring run empties into the Santa Fe, connecting to the broader spring corridor (Rum Island, Mermaid Springs, Ginnie Springs, Devil's Eye, Poe Springs).
• Nature trail — a 350-year-old cypress, a turtle-filled sinkhole, and secondary springs.
• Camping — ~$18/night; the campground is being expanded as part of the renovation.

The current renovation includes:

• Spring-side restoration
• Campground expansion and upgrades
• New permanent bathrooms and showers (port-o-lets currently in place)
• A new eatery building with gift shop and full kitchen
• Improved parking lot

No reopening date has been announced. The park grounds (pavilion, picnic area, volleyball) remain accessible.

Anderson's Outdoor Adventures — the park's official concessionaire — has suspended operations at Gilchrist Blue during the renovation and relocated to Poe Springs Park (~8 miles away, same Santa Fe River). From Poe, Anderson's runs the same kayak rentals, tube rentals, "8 Springs in 8 Miles" guided paddle, and concession operations. aoafun.com, 352-507-0059.

• High Springs (~5–8 miles) — High Springs Country Inn, Grady House B&B, vacation rentals. Great Outdoors Restaurant (steaks, fresh fish, reservations recommended).
• Gainesville (~25 miles) — full hotel and dining range.
• On-site camping — being expanded; confirm availability with the park.

• Verify the park is open for water activities before driving. Call 386-454-1369 or check floridastateparks.org. Water activities have been closed since October 2025 with no announced reopening date.
• When open, capacity fills fast on summer weekends. Only registered campers admitted after day-use cap is reached. No advance day-use reservations.
• Poe Springs Park (~8 mi) is the alternative during the renovation — same river, same outfitter, open now.
• Alligators in the Santa Fe River. Standard precautions.
• No glass. Leashed pets in picnic/trail areas only, not near the spring.

Last verified: May 28, 2026. Water activities closed as of October 29, 2025 for major renovation. No reopening date announced. Verify current status at floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gilchrist-blue-springs-state-park or call 386-454-1369.