Things to Do in High Springs and the Springs
A small railroad town at the doorstep of the Santa Fe River springs.
See top-rated activities »About High Springs
High Springs began as a railroad and phosphate-mining town, and its small downtown along Main Street still has the low brick storefronts of that era, now filled with antique dealers, cafes and a craft brewery. The town sits about 20 minutes northwest of Gainesville, and on summer weekends its main business is the springs.
The Santa Fe River runs along the northern edge of the county. At O'Leno State Park, just over the line in Columbia County, the river drops into a sinkhole and flows underground for several miles before it rises again at River Rise Preserve State Park. Below that, a string of springs along both banks feeds the river with water that stays around 72 degrees year-round. Divers come from around the world to explore the underwater caves, while most visitors simply swim, snorkel, kayak or float.
Several of the best-known springs are a few minutes from High Springs. Ginnie Springs, a privately owned park in Gilchrist County, is famous for cave diving and tubing. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, also in Gilchrist County, became a state park in 2017 and has a swimming area at its main spring. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, about half an hour north near Fort White, is known for its slow, clear tubing run in summer. On the Alachua County side, Poe Springs Park, a county park west of town, has a spring on the river; its swimming area is closed until early 2027 for restoration, though the park itself is open.
Springs are popular and fragile. Parks limit capacity on busy days, so arrive early, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Many forbid alcohol, disposable containers or tubes in certain areas, and swimming rules change with water quality and spring flow. The city's Santa Fe Canoe Outpost site on U.S. 441 is now a free river park with no rentals, so arrange boats with an outfitter or rent at the parks themselves.
Don’t Miss
A walkable Main Street of antique shops, cafes and a brewery in old railroad-era storefronts.
A 202-acre park on the Santa Fe River west of town. The swimming area is closed until early 2027 while the spring recovers; trails and grounds remain open.
A family-owned springs park across the Santa Fe River, known worldwide for cave diving and popular for tubing and camping.
A state park since 2017 with several springs, a swimming area and a run to the Santa Fe River, a few minutes from High Springs.
A clear, spring-fed river known for its summer tubing run, about half an hour north of High Springs.
Where the Santa Fe River sinks underground, with a suspension bridge, river trails and camping.
A local taproom that makes an easy stop after a day on the river.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in High Springs
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Get free trip quotes »High Springs — FAQ
Can you swim at Poe Springs right now?
Not until early 2027. Alachua County closed the swimming area so the spring and its banks can recover, though the park is open for walking and picnics. Check the county parks page for updates.
Which spring near High Springs is best for tubing?
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has the classic summer tubing run, and Ginnie Springs allows tubing on the Santa Fe River. Rules, capacity limits and seasons apply, so check each park before you go.
Do I need certification to dive the caves?
Yes. Cave diving requires specialized cave training and certification, and the springs parks enforce their own rules. Open-water divers and snorkelers can enjoy the spring basins without entering the caves.
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