Visit Gilchrist

06/25/2024

View rules and policies at www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/rules-policies/

06/24/2024

06/19/2024

Join us tomorrow at 10:30AM for Katie Adams Pirate Tales! Learn about when the coasts of Florida were crawling with pirates.

06/19/2024

Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners is hiring. Apply online: https://gilchristcountybocc.applicantstack.com/x/openings

06/19/2024

Hart Springs Park & Campground: Exciting Projects and Upcoming Events!

Gilchrist County, Bell, FL – Hart Springs Park & Campground is buzzing with excitement as we announce a series of thrilling new projects and events designed to make your visit more enjoyable than ever. Whether you're a regular camper or planning your first trip, there's something for everyone at Hart Springs!

Exciting Projects Underway
In addition to the new Laundry Facility, we're enhancing your experience with several improvement projects, including:
Shoreline Restoration and Re-stabilization: Our boat ramp shoreline is getting a facelift to ensure safe and easy access for boaters while preserving its natural beauty. This project is proudly grant-funded through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Boardwalk Boat Access: Plans are underway for a new boardwalk with a boat dock. Funded by a generous grant, again through FWC, this project is aimed at providing convenient and scenic water access. Get ready to stroll and soak in the stunning views!
FRDAP Grants: Thanks to the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), we're making major improvements to our springs and RV park, ensuring these areas remain pristine and comfortable for all our visitors.
Baseball Field Revitalization: In partnership with the Gilchrist League, we're breathing new life into our baseball field and launching the Bambino League for local youth. Play ball!

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events!
Don't miss these fantastic events coming up at Hart Springs:
October 19th: 4th Annual BBQ From the Hart: Join us for a mouthwatering, community-focused BBQ event. Admission is free, and there are tons of activities for kids. It's a day of delicious food, fun, and family!
December 21st & 22nd: 3rd Annual Christmas from the Hart: Experience the magic of the season with our spectacular Christmas lights display and festive activities. It's a beloved Gilchrist County tradition that brings holiday cheer to the whole family.

Join Us!
Hart Springs Park & Campground is committed to providing a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all our visitors. With these exciting projects and events, there's never been a better time to visit. We can't wait to welcome you!

For more information, visit our website hartsprings.com or contact us at

Phone: (352) 463-4444
Email: [email protected]

Stay connected with us on social media for updates and event details!

06/18/2024

👀 If you’re looking for gluten free options, we’ve got plenty around town! These cauliflower quesadillas from Elle Cocina Tex-Mex come highly reccomended. What’s the best thing you’ve eaten in lately?

06/17/2024

06/11/2024

06/11/2024

06/11/2024

The Small Business Resource Fair is happening now! Head over to the library to learn about the resources available to help you start and grow your business in Gilchrist County.

*This is a drop-in event with a special presentation on funding your business from 12-1.

06/10/2024

Even though the swimming area is closed due to brownout, Hart Springs Park & Campground is making sure that campers have an unforgettable summer experience at the park! Make your reservations at https://hartsprings.com/camping ☀️🏕️

06/06/2024

We finally got a chance to work on some of the things we’ve been wanting to implement in the new space. This board will be hung up in between the 2 huge pastry cases in the front of the shop.

This is our BLESSING BOARD, much like a “pay if forward” concept. It will be in full affect tomorrow with many prepaid drinks, food items, and tabs for those in need to choose from. Blessings don’t have to be just for those in need it can be utilized by anyone having a rough time and just needs that small nice gesture to help get them through the storm.

We ask that anyone choosing an item from the board takes the tag off the board and brings to the register. We ask that nobody takes more than one at a time and that nobody takes advantage of this board so we can save these for those who really need a break to feel the love of Christ affect them through community efforts.

If you wish to donate to the board let a staff member know, and if you know anyone who needs prayer or a kind gesture, to send them our way and we as a staff would love to help them any way we can.

Thank you to those in the community who have donated to this BLESSING BOARD before we officially had it up and we thank every one of our customers who will continue to spread kindness through their day to day lives and through this beautiful space God has gifted us with.

06/06/2024

Our first water safety program with Josh the Otter was a great success! 39 children got to listen to a reading of Josh the Baby Otter and learn how to stay safe around the water this summer.

Our next event is scheduled for this Saturday at Otter Springs Park and Campground from 10-12 pm. Call Donna to get your kids registered today!

06/05/2024

Hey guys we're looking for some help in the kitchen! Experience not needed but preferred! Please message us with a resume and way to contact you, or come in between 2pm and 4pm any day we're open to fill out an application. Just knock on the employee door!

06/04/2024

Happening next week! 📆

The Rapid Response Program was created to help small business owners understand the options available to them before and after experiencing natural disasters, financial difficulties, mass layoffs, or job closures. Participants can learn about layoff aversion for small businesses and the various programs offered through our local area career centers.

06/04/2024

We are dedicated to providing a fun and safe environment for our guests. That’s why we are taking the following actions to enhance safety and security at Ginnie Springs: www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com

06/03/2024

The first of our Josh the Otter WATER SAFETY Programs kicks off this week! Are you registered??

Here’s the details in case you missed it 👇

In partnership with Rotary Club of Gilchrist County, we’re hosting FIVE water safety programs for kids ages 3-8 in locations around the county this month.

During these fun + educational events, children will listen to a read aloud of the book “Josh the Baby Otter,” recite the water pledge, sing songs, and meet Josh the Otter himself!

Josh the Otter organization strives to educate children and adults about water safety and eliminate drowning accidents through safety campaigns and awareness.

Pre-registration is recommended! Call Donna at (352) 210-1827 to get signed up today!

📅 Event Dates + Locations:

June 6, 10:30 - 12:30 | Gilchrist County Library

June 8, 10 - 12 | Otter Springs Lodge

June 11, 3-5 | Fun 4 Kids Daycare

June 22, 10-12 | Bell Library

June 26, 11:30-1:30 | Hart Springs Park

05/31/2024

Dive deep into the crystal clear waters of Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park just a half hour from Gainesville, FL 💙

Fun Fact: Gilchrist Blue Springs is the newest addition to Florida State Parks!

Here you'll find several springs including a large second-magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day 💦

Who's adding this to their Florida travel plans?

📍: Gilchrist Blue Springs, Florida State Parks

05/31/2024

PSA!
With the Suwannee river flooding and many of those springs being browned out and the high temperatures will be driving more folks to the springs on the Santa Fe River. Especially Gilchrist Blue, Rum Island, and Poe Springs.

Please everyone be kind and patient. We would love to see everyone this weekend.

Our springs are clear and beautiful. Please help us keep them that way by disposing of trash appropriately and recycle ♻️.

Water levels between 441 bridge and 47
bridge on the Santa Fe River are perfect.

http://www.mysuwanneeriver.org/realtime/river-levels.php

05/30/2024

05/28/2024

Add this hidden gem to your summer travel list!

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in 📍 High Springs, FL.

There are several natural springs you can access within the park. This time of year, swimming and snorkeling are top-rated activities, but there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing + photography here, too!

Tag to share your Gilchrist County adventures with us all summer long ☀️

05/28/2024

If you’re a business owner (or want to be one!) in Gilchrist, you don’t want to miss this FREE Resource Fair. Add June 11 to your calendar now and come learn about all the resources available to help you start + scale your business 📈

Tap here to schedule your free business consult
www.Floridasbdc.org/request-for-consulting/

05/20/2024

Do you have kids who enjoy the water?? This announcement is for you!

Visit Gilchrist is thrilled to bring Josh the Otter to our community this June! In partnership with Rotary Club of Gilchrist County, we’re hosting FIVE water safety programs for kids ages 3-8 in locations around the county next month.

During these fun + educational events, children will listen to a read aloud of the book “Josh the Baby Otter,” recite the water pledge, sing songs, and meet Josh the Otter himself!

Josh the Otter organization strives to educate children and adults about water safety and eliminate drowning accidents through safety campaigns and awareness.

Pre-registration is recommended! Call Donna at (352) 210-1827 to get signed up today!

📅 Event Dates + Locations:

June 6, 10:30 - 12:30 | Gilchrist County Library

June 8, 10 - 12 | Otter Springs Lodge

June 11, 3-5 | Fun 4 Kids Daycare

June 22, 10-12 | Bell Library

June 26, 11:30-1:30 | Hart Springs Park

05/20/2024

Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioner's Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Veteran’s Day.
Office will re-open on Tuesday, May 28th.

05/15/2024

Who else is dreaming of sun-soaked days in the heart of Florida’s untouched wilderness? ☀️🚣‍♂️

05/09/2024

Who says Florida summers are for staying indoors? It’s warm out there, that’s no lie. But with plenty of water and a sense of adventure, you can make some core memories that are 100% worth the sweat 💯.

Be sure to check out our top hiking trail reccs at visitgilchrist.com