Dunnellon

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Dunnellon is a city in the southwestern part of Marion County, Florida. According to the U.S. census the population within the city limits was 1,756 in 2013. The Dunnellon area beyond the city limits actually covers parts of three counties; Marion, Citrus and Levy County.

Dunnellon was founded in 1887. Two years later phosphate was discovered in the area, leading to a population boom of the area until the early 1910s. The original mining took place in and around the Rainbow River (formerly called 'Blue Run'), using the river's natural flow to transport phosphates. What is now the 'Blue Cove' subdivision, was one of the original mining pits. Dunnellon became the largest exporter of phosphate in the world until the onset of WWI which banned the export of phosphate and essentially killed the industry in Dunnellon.

Dunnellon is located on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers and is the self-proclaimed “Treasure of the Nature Coast”. Dunnellon has much to offer from beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park and the awesome rivers to strolling the lovely tree lined streets of the Dunnellon Historic District.

Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been using this spring for nearly 10,000 years. Rainbow Springs is Florida's fourth largest spring and, from the 1930s through the 1970s, was the site of a popular, privately-owned attraction. The Rainbow River is popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the headsprings. A picnic area at the spring includes tables, grills, and pavilions. For large gatherings, private pavilions can be reserved. Tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park.

The gardens and waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park are cultural assets that remain from the days when the headsprings were a private attraction. They have been renovated and replanted while preserving their historical significance. In early spring the entire headsprings area bursts into pinks, purples and whites with its famous azalea blooms.

A nature trail winds back behind the gardens through natural oak hammock and sandhill communities. This trail offers both river and phosphate pit overlooks and is approximately 2.5 miles long from the Visitors' Center.

Take a step back in time and stroll the oak lined streets in Dunnellon’s nationally registered district enjoying the many quaint shops and restaurants it has to offer. Many of these shops are located in restored nineteenth century homes and the shop hospitality is as welcoming as the town itself.

Boomtown Days Festival is a celebration of the discovery of Phosphate in the 1800’s. A fun filled day of arts and crafts, music, food, games, pageants and fun, in the beautiful Historic District of Dunnellon.

Riverfront and waterfront homes in Dunnellon offer a peaceful relaxing day on the back porch or deck overlooking the Rainbow River or Withlacoochee River. You can spend yours days on a river boat ride, tubing, swimming, kayaking down the river, fishing for that big bass or shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the unique shops and antique stores. To learn more about the homes for sale in Dunnellon, contact CENTURY 21 JW Morton Real Estate today.