Find more information regarding operations, concessions, eco tours, and rentals through our third-party management of Blue Springs at Jackson Blue Springs | Guided Tours & Boat Rentals
Located at:
5461 Blue Springs Road
Marianna, Florida 32446
(850) 482-2114 or (850) 866-9897
Hours of Operation:
Summer Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Central Time)
Location and History
Blue Springs is located approximately five miles east of Marianna. The spring, which is listed First Magnitude Spring of Florida, supplies water to a 202-acre reservoir known as Merritt’s Millpond, a nationally known fishing site. More than forty years ago, the Federal Government owned the Shangri La site and operated an officer’s club for members of Graham Air Force Base.
Jackson County has leased the head spring from The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for over 20 years. Jackson County has managed the site as a recreation area with swimming, picnicking, and limited SCUBA training and exploration. Merritt’s Millpond serves as one of Jackson County’s most popular fishing and boating areas.
Scenery and Wildlife
A variety of natural wooded growth indigenous to the area can be seen at the site, including ferns, Cypress stands, Pines, Magnolias, and other hardwoods. Typical animals include those associated with hardwood forests, and certain bird species, such as Kingfisher, Rough-winged Swallow and Bank Swallow. Blue Spring’s cave complex provides a home for two rare obligatory aquatic cave dwelling animals, Georgia Blind Salamander and Doughterty Plain Cave Crayfish. Historically, this site has been used by the public for recreation and can be accessed via the water or a County paved road.
Why you should visit
Jackson County has completely revamped this beautiful recreation site. It is just stunning, the water is more clear than Lake Tahoe, and water temperature is just perfect for swimming on a hot day. If you need time to relax, this is the place to go. It has volleyball courts, a new children’s playground, park benches, a beach to lay out on, new boating docks, and much more.
Admission Fee:
$4.00 per person
Cave Fees: $20 per day / $10 for consecutive days.
Seasonal passes are available for $30.00 a person with photo ID or accompanied by an adult.
Please visit Jackson Blue Springs website to make reservations and rentals and to see up-to-date information and pricing:
Jackson Blue Springs | Guided Tours & Boat Rentals
Please note that no animals except service dogs are allowed in the park.