Parks in Dunnellon, Florida
From riverside green spaces along the Rainbow River to neighborhood playgrounds, Dunnellon offers parks for every outdoor interest.
What Green Spaces and Recreation Does Dunnellon Offer?
Dunnellon sits at the confluence of the Rainbow River and the Withlacoochee River in western Marion County, making it one of the most naturally scenic small towns in Central Florida. The city and surrounding area maintain several parks that range from small neighborhood green spaces to a major state park spanning more than 1,400 acres. Whether residents and visitors are looking for a place to launch a kayak, walk a nature trail, or let children play on a playground, Dunnellon has a park that fits the need.
The centerpiece of outdoor recreation in the Dunnellon area is the Rainbow River itself. Designated as an Outstanding Florida Water and an Aquatic Preserve by the state, the Rainbow River originates from Rainbow Springs, one of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs producing roughly 400 to 600 million gallons of water per day. The crystal-clear, 72-degree water supports swimming, snorkeling, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Several parks in the area provide access points to this waterway.
Beyond the river, Dunnellon's city parks serve the daily needs of residents. Ernie Mills Park provides a neighborhood gathering space with playground equipment and open fields. Datesman Park near the Withlacoochee River offers a quiet setting with shade trees. The trail system in the broader region connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida's longest paved rail-trails at 46 miles, which runs through the eastern part of the Dunnellon area.
For visitors arriving from Ocala, Dunnellon's parks are about a 30-minute drive west along US-41 or CR-484. The combination of state park land, county-managed river access sites, and city-maintained green spaces gives Dunnellon a park system that punches well above its weight for a city of roughly 2,000 residents.
Parks & Green Spaces in Dunnellon
Ernie Mills Park
Ernie Mills Park is a community park located on Bostick Street in the heart of Dunnellon. The park features playground equipment, open green space, a walking path, and picnic tables under shade trees. It serves as a central gathering spot for families and hosts occasional community events. The park is free to visit and open during daylight hours.
- •Playground equipment for children
- •Picnic tables and shade pavilions
- •Walking path and open fields
- •Free admission, open daily
Blue Run Park
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, is a City of Dunnellon park that provides river access for kayaking and is a popular exit point for tubers on the Rainbow River. The city lists walking and birding trails and a 3-acre pond, and says a restroom facility is being planned.
- •Rainbow River access for kayaking
- •Walking and birding trails
- •3-acre pond
- •Popular exit point for tubers; restroom facility planned by the city
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park encompasses 1,472 acres just east of US-41, north of Dunnellon. The park protects the headsprings of the Rainbow River and features a designated swimming area at the main spring, nature trails through oak hammock and sandhill, ornamental gardens, and picnic pavilions. A separate, seasonal tubing entrance on SW 180th Avenue Road runs a shuttle upstream for floating the river.
- •Headsprings swimming area
- •Nature trails and gardens
- •Tubing launch (seasonal)
- •Per-vehicle entrance fee
Datesman Park
Datesman Park is a quiet green space near the Withlacoochee River in Dunnellon. The park offers shade trees, open grass areas, and a peaceful setting along the riverbank. It provides a more secluded, low-key atmosphere compared to the busier river access parks and is suitable for picnicking, bird watching, and relaxation. For this fall's high water on the river, see how hydrilla backed up the Withlacoochee at Dunnellon.
- •Withlacoochee River frontage
- •Shaded picnic areas
- •Bird watching opportunities
- •Free admission
Withlacoochee State Trail
The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile paved rail-trail that passes through the Dunnellon area. One of the longest paved trails in Florida, it connects Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties and runs through forests, wetlands, and small communities. The trail is popular with cyclists, walkers, joggers, and inline skaters. Trailheads near Dunnellon provide parking and access.
- •46-mile paved multi-use trail
- •Cycling, walking, jogging
- •Trailhead parking areas
- •Free to use, open daily
Community Green Spaces
Dunnellon maintains additional green spaces and community areas throughout the city. The Dunnellon Community Center and its surrounding grounds host events and provide recreation space. Smaller pocket parks and open areas within residential neighborhoods offer additional places for walking, relaxation, and informal outdoor activities close to home.
- •Community center event space
- •Neighborhood pocket parks
- •Walking and relaxation areas
- •Free and open to the public
What to Do at Dunnellon Parks
Kayaking & Tubing
Launch kayaks at Blue Run Park or Rainbow Springs; tubers floating from KP Hole exit at Blue Run
Fishing
Fish the Rainbow River for bass, bream, and mullet or try the Withlacoochee for freshwater species
Hiking & Nature Trails
Walk the trails at Rainbow Springs State Park through oak hammock and sandhill
Cycling
Ride the Withlacoochee State Trail on 46 miles of paved surface through forests and wetlands
Swimming
Swim in the 72-degree headsprings at Rainbow Springs State Park during swimming season
Picnicking
Use picnic tables at Ernie Mills Park or Rainbow Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parks in Dunnellon, Florida?↓
Dunnellon has several parks and green spaces including Ernie Mills Park on Bostick Street, Blue Run Park with its Rainbow River access point, Rainbow Springs State Park on the north side of town, Datesman Park near the Withlacoochee River, and the Dunnellon Community Center grounds. The city also maintains smaller neighborhood pocket parks throughout the area.
Does Dunnellon have parks with river access?↓
Yes. Blue Run Park provides direct Rainbow River access for kayaking and is a popular exit point for tubers. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park is at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Avenue and is operated by the City of Dunnellon. Rainbow Springs State Park also offers swimming and paddling access on the Rainbow River headsprings.
Is there a playground in Dunnellon?↓
Ernie Mills Park, located on Bostick Street in Dunnellon, features playground equipment for children along with open green space, a walking path, and picnic tables. The park is a popular gathering spot for families in the Dunnellon community.
What can you do at Blue Run Park in Dunnellon?↓
Blue Run Park provides a public launch area for non-motorized watercraft on the Rainbow River. The City of Dunnellon lists walking and birding trails, a 3-acre pond and river access for kayaking, and calls the park a popular exit point for tubers; the city says a restroom facility is being planned. The park, at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, is operated by the City of Dunnellon.
How far is Dunnellon from Ocala?↓
Dunnellon is approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Ocala, roughly a 30-minute drive. The route passes through scenic Marion County countryside. Dunnellon parks and green spaces are easily accessible as a day trip from Ocala.
Is Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon?↓
Rainbow Springs State Park is located just east of US-41, north of Dunnellon. Its headsprings entrance is at 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432. The park encompasses 1,472 acres and features the headsprings of the Rainbow River, one of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs. The park has a swimming area at the headsprings, nature trails, gardens, picnic pavilions, and a seasonal tubing entrance on SW 180th Avenue Road that shuttles tubers upstream.
Are Dunnellon parks free to visit?↓
Most Dunnellon city parks, including Ernie Mills Park and Datesman Park, are free to visit. The City of Dunnellon's parks page lists no fee for Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. Rainbow Springs State Park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Annual state park passes are available for frequent visitors.
Explore More Dunnellon & Marion County
Dunnellon Guide
Complete guide to Dunnellon, FL including dining, shopping, and recreation
Learn more →Rainbow Springs State Park
Swimming, trails, tubing, and gardens at this first-magnitude spring
Learn more →All Marion County Parks
Browse all parks across Marion County and the greater Ocala area
Learn more →Blue Run of Dunnellon
Rainbow River access, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboard adventures
Learn more →Plan Your Visit to Dunnellon's Parks
From the crystal-clear Rainbow River to shady neighborhood playgrounds, Dunnellon's parks offer year-round outdoor recreation just 30 minutes from Ocala.