The Town that Time Forgot

Florida's First Tourist Destination, Where Nature Abounds

White Springs is a small town on the banks of the Suwannee River in Hamilton County in Florida. The town is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural significance. It was once a popular destination for tourists seeking the healing powers of the local mineral springs, which were believed to have therapeutic properties.

White Springs played a significant role in the development of Florida's tourism industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was home to many grand hotels and resorts that attracted visitors from all over the world. Today, White Springs remains a charming town that honors its past while looking towards the future. It continues to be a popular destination for those interested in history, nature, and culture, with many attractions and events that showcase the town's unique character and heritage.

For a short history of the town, Click Here.

The Samuel Proctor Oral History Program of the University of Florida and the African American History Project conducted several interviews in 2015, and a few more recently. For links to oral histories of White Springs by the people of the town, Click Here.

To download a copy of the White Springs Historic Preservation Society brochure, Click Here.

Upcoming Events

Some of the activities going on in White Springs

Walking Tour

Walk the town, and learn the history of White Springs, starting at the Tourism Center.

Quilt Trail

White Springs has many quilts with a rich history on display around town.

Wildlife Corridor Murals, and More

The Florida Wildlife Corridor commissioned three murals in White Springs. The first was dedicated on February 7, 2025, and the other two were painted on-site. In addition, there are three more!

Oral History

The Samuel Proctor Oral History Program of the University of Florida and the African American History Project conducted many interviews over the years. Here are links to oral histories of White Springs by the people who lived it.

Drive Around

Day trips around the White Springs area

Hiking

The Florida Trail winds through White Springs, and there are several places to pick up the trail and enjoy what we think is the best section of the whole trail!

Paddling Options

There are several options for paddling on the Suwannee River, depending on how long you want to paddle. There are also nearby lakes to explore besides the river!

Cycling Options

White Springs offers quiet country roads for road riders, including unpaved roads for gravel riders, and trails for off-road cyclists.

Birding

Birding opportunities in the area

Past Events

Some of the activities that we've enjoyed in White Springs

Exploring

There is a lot of history here beyond the Walking Tour and the Quilt Tour.

Scavenger Hunt

The Florida Wildlife Corridor has a Mural Scavenger Booklet

The Telford Hotel

The Telford Hotel is the only surviving hotel of White Springs's heyday, and efforts are underway to restore it to its glory.

Woodpecker Extension

The Woodpecker Trail is being extended from the Little Shoals parking lot to US 41 and Sunrise!

The mission of the White Springs Historic Society is to preserve our past and to grow our community’s future.
PRESERVATION
· Preserve and restore historic landmarks, artifacts and sites of cultural significance.
· Share the town’s rich history and heritage with others

GROWTH
· Promote the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, including our extensive trail systems for hiking, bicycling, paddling and more.
· Promote ecotourism in the Suwannee Valley region.
· Work with community members, organizations, and government entities to encourage and grow an inclusive and culturally diverse community.

The White Springs Historic District is a historic district in White Springs, Florida. It is bounded by River, 1st, Suwannee, and Hewitt Streets, SR 25A, U.S. 41 and Suwannee Road, encompasses approximately 1200 acres (4.9 km²), and contains 81 historic buildings and 1 object. On September 19, 1997, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Click Here to download a copy of the White Springs Historic Preservation Society brochure.

Click Here to see the Board of Directors.

Click here to see the Board Meeting videos.

Click here to enter Volunteer Hours.

Click here to view WSHPS documents.

Click here for WSHPS Volunteer Opportunities.