Things to Do in Dunnellon
About 25 miles southwest of Ocala, Dunnellon sits at the confluence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers. Springs, paddling trails, fishing, and a walkable historic district make it one of the best day trips in Marion County.
Dunnellon, Florida, is a small river town of roughly 2,000 residents that punches well above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation and Old Florida charm. Situated about 25 miles southwest of Ocala on US-41, Dunnellon sits at the point where the Rainbow River flows into the Withlacoochee River, giving the town access to two of central Florida's most scenic waterways. The Rainbow River is fed by the Rainbow Springs group, the fourth-largest spring group in Florida by discharge, which the Southwest Florida Water Management District says puts out an average of 493 million gallons a day; the water at the headsprings averages 72 degrees.
For Ocala residents, Dunnellon has long been the go-to destination for tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rainbow Springs State Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for its swimming area, tubing run, nature trails, and manicured gardens complete with man-made waterfalls built during the park's days as a private attraction. Downstream, KP Hole County Park and Blue Run Park provide additional access points for paddlers looking to explore the river at their own pace.
Beyond the water, Dunnellon's historic Boomtown District tells the story of a town that once boomed during Florida's phosphate mining era in the late 1800s. Today, about 70 restored buildings house antique shops, art studios, and local eateries. Grumbles House, set in a 1908 home, is one of the most recognizable landmarks, combining an antique and garden shop with Sweeties' Cafe & Tea House, which operates in a WWII Army barracks building on the same property. For a meal by the water, Swampy's Bar and Grill in Dunnellon has a deck over the Rainbow River, and the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant on S Williams St serves gator bites and seafood next to the river. For Chinese takeout after a day on the water, China House in Dunnellon is at 11150 N Williams St and is closed on Mondays.
The Withlacoochee River adds another dimension to Dunnellon's appeal. Stretching 76 miles across central Florida, it is ranked second in the state for TrophyCatch bass and draws anglers from across the Southeast. The river also supports a 76-mile paddling trail that passes through cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most undeveloped stretches of river left in Florida.
For those who prefer wheels over paddles, the Dunnellon Trail offers a 2.4-mile paved path built on an old railroad bed that runs alongside the Rainbow River. It connects to the larger Withlacoochee State Trail system, one of Florida's premier rail-trail corridors. Whether you are looking for a morning paddle, an afternoon of antique shopping, or a full day of springs and trails, Dunnellon is an easy and rewarding trip from Ocala.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Must VisitOne of Florida's largest first-magnitude springs, Rainbow Springs maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. The park offers a seasonal tubing run from a separate tubing entrance (first Saturday in April through the end of September; park entry is $5 per vehicle, and Guest Services sets tube rental and shuttle fees at 833-945-2925), a year-round swimming area, kayaking access, and beautifully maintained gardens with man-made waterfalls. About 7 miles of unpaved nature trails wind through oak hammock and sandhill. The park also runs its own campground with RV and hike-in tent sites a few miles from the headspring; see our guide to camping at Rainbow Springs.
KP Hole County Park
The most popular year-round kayak and paddleboard launch point on the Rainbow River. From KP Hole, paddlers head upriver toward the headspring through some of the clearest water in Florida. Marion County charges $7 plus tax per person for entry and $10 plus tax per person for a paddle-craft launch. Expect to see fish and turtles throughout the year. Picnic areas and restrooms are available on site.
Blue Run Park
The City of Dunnellon's Blue Run of Dunnellon Park offers river access for kayaking, walking and birding trails and a 3-acre pond, and the Withlacoochee-Dunnellon Trail connector runs through it. It is a popular exit point for tubers floating down from KP Hole, and the Florida DEP lists it as a public boat ramp. The city says a restroom facility is being planned. See our Blue Run of Dunnellon guide.
Withlacoochee River
Stretching 76 miles across central Florida, the Withlacoochee River offers one of the state's best paddling trails and is ranked second in Florida for TrophyCatch bass. The river supports excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish, and its cypress-lined corridors provide some of the most scenic paddling in the region. Multiple access points near Dunnellon make it easy to plan half-day or full-day trips. For a meal on the water afterward, Stumpknockers restaurant in Dunnellon, Florida sits on the Withlacoochee at the SR 200 bridge with a deck over the river. Before launching, check our report on this fall's hydrilla-driven high water at Dunnellon.
Grumbles House Antiques & Sweeties' Cafe
Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop occupies a 1908 home at 20799 Walnut St in downtown Dunnellon and sells antiques, gifts, home decor, local artists' work, plants and garden decor. Sweeties' Cafe & Tea House operates in a WWII Army barracks building on the same property; the shop's website describes a late-breakfast and lunch menu of scones, waffles, sandwiches, salads, quiche, tomato pie and soup, with afternoon tea by reservation at (352) 216-2510. Cedar Street Boutique, behind the house, sells clothing, jewelry, accessories and home decor. Grumbles House is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM; the shop's number is (352) 465-1460.
Historic Downtown (Boomtown District)
Dunnellon's downtown has been a designated US Historic District since 1988, with approximately 70 restored buildings from the town's phosphate mining heyday. The walkable Boomtown District features antique shops, art galleries, cafes, and small boutiques housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. The annual Boomtown Day Festival celebrates the town's mining heritage with live music, food vendors, and community events. It is a window into Old Florida that feels genuinely untouched by modern development.
Dunnellon Trail
FreeA 2.4-mile paved trail built on an old railroad bed that runs alongside the Rainbow River. The flat, shaded path is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling, and it connects to the larger Withlacoochee State Trail system. The trail offers views of the river and passes through canopy-covered stretches that keep it cool even in summer. It is family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Dunnellon from Ocala?
Dunnellon is about 25 miles southwest of Ocala, roughly a 40-minute drive via SR 40 West (or SR 200 and CR 484). The route passes through rolling countryside and horse farms, making it a scenic drive. Most Ocala residents treat Dunnellon as an easy day trip destination, especially for access to Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River.
When is tubing season at Rainbow Springs State Park?
Tubing at Rainbow Springs State Park runs from the first Saturday in April through the end of September from the park's separate tubing entrance at 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road (daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends only in the shoulder weeks). Park entry is $5 per vehicle of two to eight people; tube rental and shuttle fees are set by the concessionaire, Guest Services, at 833-945-2925. The tubing run takes you downstream through crystal-clear spring water. Outside of tubing season, you can still swim in the spring-fed swimming area year-round. Arrive early on weekends as the park reaches capacity quickly during summer months.
What is the difference between KP Hole and Blue Run Park for kayaking?
KP Hole County Park is open year-round; Marion County charges $7 plus tax per person for entry and $10 plus tax per person for a paddle-craft launch, and rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards all year. From KP Hole you can paddle upriver toward the headspring. Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, run by the City of Dunnellon at 19680 E. Pennsylvania Ave., offers river access for kayaking, walking and birding trails and a 3-acre pond; the city does not list a fee on its parks page. Blue Run is also a popular exit point for tubers floating down from KP Hole.
Is the Withlacoochee River good for fishing?
The Withlacoochee River is ranked second in the state of Florida for TrophyCatch bass, making it one of the best fishing destinations in central Florida. The 76-mile paddling trail offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Bank fishing access is available at several parks, and kayak fishing is popular along the quieter stretches of the river.
What is the Dunnellon Boomtown District?
The Boomtown District is Dunnellon's historic downtown, listed as a US Historic District since 1988. It contains approximately 70 restored buildings dating back to the town's phosphate mining boom in the late 1800s. Today you will find antique shops, cafes, art galleries, and small boutiques. The annual Boomtown Day Festival celebrates this mining heritage with live music, food, and community events.
Can you swim at Rainbow Springs year-round?
Yes, the swimming area at Rainbow Springs State Park is open year-round. The spring water maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit regardless of the season, making it comfortable even in winter. The tubing run is seasonal (first Saturday in April through September), but the main swimming area, nature trails, gardens, and waterfall areas are accessible every day of the year.
Ready to Visit Dunnellon from Ocala?
From spring-fed rivers and scenic trails to antique shops and historic streetscapes, Dunnellon is one of the best day trips from Ocala.