One of my family’s favorite destinations in Florida when I was growing up was Rainbow Springs State Park just north of Dunnellon. Back in the day, it was filled with flights of fantasy – cruising underwater in submarine boats to see the fish face-to-face, drifting through the treetops inside a leaf on the Forest Flite monorail, and standing at the base of an immense waterfall to feel the cool splash amid tropical vegetation.
Now a Florida State Park, it’s still a favorite getaway. Here’s a peek at what Rainbow Springs used to be like back in the 1960s, courtesy of my mom, Linda Friend. And yes, that’s me in the photos. 
From Wendee Holtcamp:
If that’s the place I’m thinking of, Matt & I went there back on the trip we met up with you! I LOVED it!! I am not quite sure I’m thinking of the same place though… I am thinking of something else called Wakulla Springs but not sure the name of the cool place where we went that had a massive clear-aquamarine spring with boat rides where it was like Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You saw all sorts of birds up close, gators, fish, and other things in the clear water. I want to bring my kids there. Is that Rainbow Springs or Wakulla Springs or something else altogether? There was a white old house that was now a lodge too.
From Sandra Friend:
You’re thinking of Wakulla Springs. It’s been more than 30 years since boat tours ran at Rainbow Springs.
From Christine:
I’ve gone camping several times at Rainbow Springs but had no idea it had such an interesting history! Thanks for sharing your photo slideshow