Parks and Outdoors

Ahhh, the great outdoors. It’s what Lake City, Florida’s Springlands is all about. Whether it’s a romp in a crystalline spring, a float down a spring-fed river, fishing in a lake, walking a trail or simply relaxing under the sun just about anywhere, you can do all of it and more in Lake City, Florida’s Springlands.

The generous array of parks in Florida’s Springlands offers a wide range of experiences, from a place that commemorates Florida’s largest Civil War battle, to a vast national forest, to several parks that are set amid freshwater springs and rivers. Basically, there’s a park for just about everyone.

Big Shoals State Park is home to the largest whitewater rapids in the state of Florida, with a Class III whitewater rapids classification.

Big Shoals State Park

Big Shoals State Park

Big Shoals State Park is home to the largest whitewater rapids in the state of Florida, with a Class III whitewater rapids classification.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park’s 2,669 acres provide wonderful swimming and river activities, a haven for wildlife, and eight crystalline natural springs.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park’s 2,669 acres provide wonderful swimming and river activities, a haven for wildlife, and eight crystalline natural springs.

Suwannee Springs
Suwannee Springs is full of spectacular off-road trails, perfect for hiking or mountain biking, while paved paths provide a more leisurely bicycling option. Hiking trails include the Sandhill Trail which takes you past Columbus Cemetery, while the Earthworks Trail will let you explore the Confederate earthworks and an old ferry landing.
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
The Suwannee River Trail hosts five river camps, along with countless other state parks, county parks, and private partners that provide great places to stay for a self-contained river adventure.
Lake Desoto
Located in historic downtown Lake City, Lake Desoto has been a gathering place for locals and visitors for many years. Fishing, biking, walking, and picnicking are available here. In addition, a variety of different birds, waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife make this an ideal place for wildlife watching.
Big Shoals State Park
With limestone bluffs that tower 80 feet above the Suwannee River, Big Shoals State Park provides vistas you won’t see anywhere else in Florida. It’s also the prime place in the Sunshine State for whitewater rafting.