HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA

High Springs is about 21 miles northwest of the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. 

When I attended the university many years ago, High Springs was a quiet little town with a sleepy two block downtown business section.

Downtown High Springs, Florida

Some of the earliest pioneers began settling in this area in the late 1830s and early 1840s.  They were on scattered farms and small communities around current day High Springs.

The entire area began to grow in the 1880s when phosphate mining began and the Savannah, Florida & Western Railway came to town.

Downtown High Springs in 1916
Florida Memory, State Archives

The new railroad stop was named Santaffey along with its post office.  

Then the name was soon renamed Santa Fe, then Orion, and finally High Springs in 1888.

High Springs was incorporated in 1892 and was about as typical a small Florida town as you would find in those days.

High Springs is still small - about 6,000 people - and quiet, but the downtown area has been spruced up and is now home to several antique shops and nice restaurants.

In contrast, just a couple of blocks from downtown many of the streets are still unpaved and are home to weather beaten old houses drowsing under the ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss.

One of the features of this little town that puts it on the map is its crossroads location in north central Florida.

High Springs, Florida

In the late 1800s, it was an important rail center for several main lines of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The town had major railroad service facilities and a large train yard.

The trains are gone, but today two major highways intersect in High Springs.  In the not so old days before the interstates, this made High Springs a logical place for the weary traveler to stop for the night.

Those highways - US-441 and US-27 - are still pleasant and less crowded today than the superhighways if you are traveling this part of the state.

St. Barholomew's Episcopal Church

As the name of the town implies, High Springs is in "spring" country.

It is close to the spring fed Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers along with many other small springs such as Poe Springs and Blue Springs.

Tubing on the Ichetucknee

Ginnie Springs Outdoor Recreation area is just 6.5 miles west of town.

Just a few miles further west is Ichetucknee Springs State Park and its famous inner tube float trips down the river.

High Springs, Florida

High Springs is a good place to stage a visit to these popular attractions. There are at least two bed and breakfast inns and a handful of motels in town.

Great Outdoors, High Springs, Florida

THINGS TO DO IN HIGH SPRINGS FLORIDA

O'Leno State Park - 410 SE O'Leno Park Road, High Springs, FL 32643 - This state park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking on the Santa Fe River. It's a popular spot among travelers and is known for its scenic beauty. 

Blue Springs Park - 7450 NE 60th St, High Springs, FL 32643 - At this park, visitors can see manatees while kayaking or explore the springs with a tube and mask/snorkel. The park is a favorite among tourists for its crystal-clear water and serene surroundings. 

Poe Springs Park - 28800 NW 182nd Ave, High Springs, FL 32643 - This park is open year-round and is known for its natural spring that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It also has picnic areas and a playground for children, making it a great spot for families. 

Ginnie Springs - 7300 Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs, FL 32643 - This popular spring park offers a variety of water activities, including tubing, snorkeling, and diving. It's a great place to cool off on a hot day and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. 

Ichetucknee Springs State Park - 12087 SW US Hwy 27, Fort White, FL 32038 - Located just a short drive from High Springs, this state park is known for its crystal-clear water and scenic views. Visitors can swim, tube, or kayak down the Ichetucknee River and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

High Springs Farmers Market - 23517 NW 185th Rd, High Springs, FL 32643 - This outdoor market is open on Thursdays and features a range of local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal products. It's a great place to sample some of the area's finest foods and support local farmers and artisans.

Rum 138 - 2070 SW County Rd 138, Fort White, FL 32038 - This art gallery and eco-tourism center offers guided kayak tours down the Santa Fe River, as well as exhibits featuring works by local artists. It's a unique and educational experience that combines art and nature.