Florida’s Best Tubing Spot Is Cutting Back Hours Soon
With Labor Day soon to be behind us, visitors heading to Rainbow Springs State Park should take note: tubing and tram operations along the Rainbow River will be shifting to their fall schedule, although the main park will continue to remain open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
According to the Florida State Parks system, tubing season at Rainbow River runs on a tiered schedule throughout the year:
- Memorial Day through Labor Day: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last tram departs at 4:30 p.m.)
- First Saturday in April through Memorial Day: Weekends only, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Labor Day through the first two weekends of October: Weekends only, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last tram at 4:30 p.m.)
- Mid-October through March: Closed
That means beginning Tuesday, September 3, the tubing entrance at 10830 SW 180th Avenue Road in Dunnellon will be open on weekends only until early October, before shutting down for the season.
The tubing and tram ticket price is $25 per person, which covers one float trip down the river and tram service back. Parking is $5 per vehicle with two to eight passengers, $4 for single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles, and $2 for walk-ups or bicycles.
While lifejackets are optional for guests over the age of six, children under five must wear one while tubing. Lifejackets are available on-site, and park officials recommend that all visitors wear them during the activity. Guests are also required to sign a waiver and follow park safety policies.
For more information or to confirm weekend operations — which may close early due to weather — visitors can call 833-945-2925.
