25 Best Natural Things to Do in Columbia County

Columbia County is rural and filled with natural freshwater springs, rivers, and friendly people. Lake City, once called Alligator, is the county seat and was the first home of the University of Florida—bet you didn’t know that! Fort White is the other large town in Columbia County. At this point, I’m starting to feel like …

Spend The Night and Spread Your Wings From Lake City, Florida

Lake City, Florida is more than a convenient stop for travelers to the state at the junction of I-75, I-10 and US90. It’s the county seat of Columbia County and a great place to stay a few days to explore many of Natural North Florida’s wet and wild wonders. I’m not sure exactly when it …

The Suwannee River and It’s Tributaries–The Beating Heart of Natural North Florida

Florida’s mighty Suwannee River represents the heart (and arteries) of our Natural North Florida region.  It flows over 200 miles from south Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico, on the border of Dixie and Levy counties.  It is fed by countless springs, each flowing from the Floridan Aquifer, as well as tributaries like …

Float The Santa Fe River, Then Enjoy Music at Rum 138 Outfitters, March 2, 2019, In Fort White, FL

  Doug Jipson and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson’s Rum138 Outfitters has become a gathering spot for paddlers and music lovers in southern Columbia County.  Located on CR138 (off US27, west of High Springs) at the corner of Rum Island Road, the building houses a thriving canoe and kayak rental/livery as well as some spectacular art. Out back, …

Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!

The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak.  Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks.  Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …

Wild Florida Adventures, December 2017 Events

Greetings Outside Enthusiasts! I’ve just updated the Wild Florida Adventures event calendar for the rest of the month of December with the link here www.localendar.com/public/bbarker This weekend we’re planning two fresh water paddles as the coastal tides aren’t that conducive to good water levels. Plus with the lower temps, its better to paddle venues that …

Take The Slower Road…US90—Live Oak to Lake City, Florida

If you’re driving east or west along Interstate Highway 10, just south of the Florida/Georgia border, you’ve likely missed two small historic cities in our Natural North Florida region.  Yes, there are signs west of I-75 directing you to Live Oak and some to the east,  pointing towards Lake City.  But if you just keep …

Visit Springs Along The Santa Fe River in Columbia, Gilchrist and Alachua County

The Santa Fe River traverses several counties in the Natural North Florida region.  It begins upstream of the town of  Worthington Springs in southern Union County, and eventually flows into the mighty Suwannee River at Three Rivers Estates.  The river flows downstream to O’Leno State Park in Columbia County  where it drops into the Karst …

Way Down Upon The Santa Fe River–A Suwannee River Alternative!

Spring has “sprung” and while our Natural North Florida region is largely rural, crowds flock to our rivers to boat, fish, or simply float.  The Suwannee River begins in south Georgia’s Okeefenokee Swamp and meanders downstream to the Gulf of Mexico for over 240 miles.  About 170 of those final miles are in our region …

AlligatorFest at Florida’s O’Leno State Park, October 14-16, 2016

The United States’ Civil War came to Florida, as well as much of the eastern half of the country.  However, much of the “action” came in the form of blockades of ports and the capture of important salt works, there were few actual “battles”.  Before that bloody war, Florida experienced the removal of Native Americans …