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 …

Suwannee River Rules County! 30 Fantastic Activities

Suwannee probably comes from an Indian word, “Sawani,” meaning “echo river.” Since the Suwannee River creates the northern, southern, and western borders, the county is almost an island! It is actually in the shape of half a heart (aawwww…) Even more water flows through Suwannee County; both the Ichetucknee River and the Santa Fe River …

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 …

Paddle(Board) Natural North Florida’s Rivers and Lakes

If you’re a canoeist or a kayaker, you’ll certainly like paddling a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). In the past few years, SUPs have gained in popularity due to ease of operation and ease of transport. Also, they’re relatively inexpensive to purchase and can also be rented from many outfitters, like Rum 138 Outfitters or Santa Fe …

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 …

Second To Only The MIghty Suwannee River–Natural North Florida’s “Minor” Rivers

It’s tough when you have to say that some of our Natural North Florida Rivers are “minor”, but the 240-mile-long Suwannee River is hard to keep out of first place.  It’s long, it’s free-flowing with no dams or obstructions, and it’s beautiful.  But there are others in our region that are smaller, but no less …

A Few Changes at Florida’s Ichetucknee State Park in Columbia County

Florida’s Ichetucknee State Park is a favorite of locals, as well as visitors to the State.  The head spring feeds the river with clean, clear water and pushes rafters, tubers and paddlers downstream for an unequaled view of one of Florida’s most pristine natural areas. For the 2016 “season”, beginning in late May, there have …

When The Weather Is Cool, Our Spring Waters Are “Warmish”

The Visit Natural North Florida 12-county region has more natural first-magnitude springs than anywhere else on earth.  And while they’re magnets for visitors during the warmer months, folks often overlook the fact that the water flowing from our underground aquifer is a year-round, constant 72-degrees F.     Some of the bigger springs are found …

Bike Florida Horse Country & Springs Tour, April 19-24, 2015

This All-Inclusive Tour should be fun.  20 riders will get to visit Gainesville, High Springs, Micanopy, Cross Creek and lots of spots in-between.  There’s even a Pedal & Paddle event planned on Day 4 (April 23rd) on the Ichetucknee River! Here’s what’s included: Hotel Accommodation (double occupancy) Restaurant Meals Full SAG and Luggage Support Sweep …