Twenty-five miles northwest of Gainesville, a small brick downtown sits on a ridge above the Santa Fe River — and above one of the densest clusters of freshwater springs in North America. In High Springs, the water is the economy and the identity.
Why visit High Springs
- 01
Springs in every direction
Ginnie, Blue Springs Park, Poe, Rum Island and Gilchrist Blue are all close by, with Ichetucknee Springs State Park a short drive north.
- 02
The cave-diving capital
The Devil's system under Ginnie Springs draws certified cave divers from around the world, backed by local dive shops.
- 03
A railroad-era Main Street
Two blocks of 1890s–1900s brick buildings, antique shops, diners and the historic Priest Theatre.
- 04
The Santa Fe River
Paddle or float the river that ties the springs together.
How to spend a day
Spend the morning in a spring while the water is quietest, then walk Main Street — it takes about half an hour — and paddle the Santa Fe in the afternoon.
Before you go
High Springs is in Alachua County on US-441. Ginnie Springs is privately owned and charges its own admission.