Dunnellon: Rivers, Trails and Industrial History

In Dunnellon, river activities and the history of hard-rock phosphate stand side by side as distinct travel themes. The Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River meet here between Centennial Park and Blue Run Park of Dunnellon. The Boomtown Historic District adds a distinct cultural and historical focus to the town’s history.

Water Activities and River Parks

Some of the top visitor activities on the Rainbow River include boating and stand-up paddleboarding. Dunnellon is also the endpoint of the South Withlacoochee Paddle Trail. The Rainbow River also offers freshwater fishing, including species such as bluegill, bowfin, alligator gar, redbreast sunfish, and spotted sunfish.

Blue Run Park offers walking and birdwatching trails, a 3-acre pond, and access to the Rainbow River for kayaking. The park also serves as a popular take-out point for visitors and residents tubing on the Rainbow River. Park facilities and river-use regulations may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Chaplin A. Dinkins Park (City Beach) has a swimming area on the Rainbow River. KP Hole Park is known for river tubing and offers boating, snorkeling, and other water activities year-round. Since operations and fees may change, check the latest information in advance.

Captain Bob’s offers pontoon boat rentals on the Withlacoochee River and the Rainbow River. On the Withlacoochee River, Centennial Park has a boat ramp, a floating dock, picnic tables, and space for events such as fishing tournaments. The information describes two distinct ways to enjoy the water: pontoon boat rentals on two rivers and park facilities on the Withlacoochee River.

Trails and Hikes

The Dunnellon Trail is 2.4 miles long, paved, and designated as a multi-use trail. It runs mostly along a historic railroad corridor beside the Rainbow River south of County Road 484, as well as by Blue Run Park and the river tubing take-out point. Its length, surface, and route provide practical guidance; the former rail corridor also connects the trail to local railroad history. Trail conditions may change, so check the latest information before your trip.

At the Dunnellon entrance to Rainbow Springs State Park, you can hike the Phosphate Loop Trail and the Sandhill Trail. The park also has the Historic Attraction Walk. This means there are two named hiking trails at the Dunnellon entrance, as well as another historic walk in the state park.

Boomtown History and Historic Buildings

Albertus Vogt’s discovery of hard-rock phosphate in Florida in 1889 turned Dunnellon into a boomtown and an early center of the industry. The Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District is considered Florida’s first boomtown in the hard-rock phosphate industry. It includes 70 historic buildings. Some have been renovated and opened to the public as shops selling antiques, art, and other unique finds. The selection at individual shops may change.

Discover more destinations: Citra, Ocala, Ocklawaha, Summerfield, Silver Springs

View the broader travel overview: Marion.