Madison Blue Spring State Park + Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop

Last Updated on March 2, 2024

Madison Blue Spring State Park is located in Lee, Florida, and is known for having the best swimming hole in America.

Approximately 25 miles northwest of Live Oak and 65 miles east of Tallahassee, the North Central Florida park is in Madison County and is a first-magnitude spring as well as a cave diving destination.

These are our recommendations on the top places to visit near Madison Blue Spring State Park, including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.

From tasty diner food to tranquil accommodations to cool bookstores, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this scenic and beautiful spring.

Madison Blue Spring State Park

Madison Blue Spring State Park is located 10 miles east of Madison, Florida. The park’s spring was voted the best swimming hole in the country by USA Today, which means a lot, given how many Florida springs there are.

The spring is situated along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River and features a limestone basin.

Picnic tables are found throughout the park and spring area – a great place to relax after a swim. Park visitors can enjoy a packed lunch in a picturesque setting surrounded by stunning oak and pine trees.

Things to Do at Madison Blue Spring State Park

This Florida state park is a fun place with many different things to do. Swimming, diving, and hiking are popular options that guarantee a great time.

The swimming area is a beautiful spot full of clear water. Relax in the refreshing waters, swim, or bring a mask and snorkel to further see the spring landscape.

Keep your eyes open for creatures like turtles and fish that call it home. 

There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing while hiking the scenic woodlands along the park’s nature trail.

Take a leisurely stroll down this quiet trail where you may be able to see local animals like the red-bellied woodpecker and the Suwannee cooter. 

Cave Diving

Cave divers can explore the spring water further by diving in the park’s cave system. Certified divers can have access to a large maze of underwater passages. The passages are home to unique, cave-dwelling invertebrates. 

TIPS:

• Madison Blue Spring State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown.
• Park entrance admission fees are $4 to $5 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
• The park is a popular spot that experiences high visitation between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm during weekends and holidays. It will close to new visitors if the park reaches capacity. Try to beat the crowds by arriving earlier in the day.
• The best time to visit is on the weekdays when there are fewer crowds. 
• There are no kayak or canoe rentals available within the park.
• The park does not have a campground.
• Cave divers are required to travel in pairs. Dives must be completed at least one hour before the sun goes down. 
• Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed in the park – only in the picnic areas.

For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website. 

Madison Blue Spring State Park Address: 8300 N.E. State Road 6, Lee, FL 32059

Where to Eat Near Madison Blue Spring State Park: Grumpy’s Diner on Main

Grumpy’s Diner on Main is a great place to eat in Madison. The restaurant is located just 11 miles away from Madison Blue Spring State Park and is known for its delicious diner food. 

The diner serves a variety of menu options including french toast, cuban sandwiches, and a taste of home with meatloaf.

Locals recommend checking their Facebook page to see what specials they offer each day.

When visiting you will also want to try the Shepherd’s Pie. It is a delicious taste of home from a small-town diner. You are sure to enjoy anything on the menu.

If you still have room for dessert after your meal, try one of the diner’s sweet options. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

TIPS:

• Grumpy’s Diner on Main is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. 
• This restaurant accepts carry-out orders. 
• A kid’s menu is available.

For more information, visit the official Grumpy’s Diner on Main Street Facebook Page. 

Grumpy’s Diner on Main Address: 244 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340

Additional Places to Eat Near Madison Blue Spring State Park:

• Cornerstone Café, 8194 US-90, Lee, FL 32059
• Jayveer Deli, 23527 NW County Rd. 250, Live Oak, FL 32060
• Cucinella’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, 201 SW Rutledge St, Madison, FL 32340

Where to Stay Near Madison Blue Spring State Park: Kokomo Farms

Kokomo Farms is a unique place to stay near Madison Blue Spring State Park. The property is located 24 miles away in Live Oak, Florida. It is a peaceful getaway with cute and cozy accommodation options. 

Accommodations include an Eco Cabin, a Romantic Tiny House, Cozy Cottage Hideaway, Dreamer’s Escape Romantic Treehouse, and other distinctive options. Each is tucked away in a quiet corner of the large, lush property. 

Kokomo Farms is a member of the Florida Agritourism Association. A visit offers guests opportunities to interact with the animals on site, like feeding the horses and chickens. 

The property has communal spaces such as a coffee station, Zen Garden, and fire pit. Bring a book and enjoy the tranquil nature of this beautiful farm.

TIPS:

• Kokomo Farms is open daily. 
• Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11 am.
• The farm is a vegan farm that grows a selection of plants and vegetables.
• All the animals on the farm are rescued. 

For more information, visit the official Kokomo Farms website. 

Kokomo Farms Address: 19378 NW County Rd. 250, Live Oak, FL 32060

Additional Places to Stay Near Madison Blue Spring State Park

• Deerwood Inn & Madison Campground, 155 SW Old St. Augustine Rd., Madison, FL 32340
• Blue Springs Inn, 2020 Hamilton Ave, Jennings, FL 32053
• The Unity House Bed & Breakfast, 307 SW Dade St., Madison, FL 32340
• Ragans Family Campground, 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Rd., Madison, FL 32340

Where to Shop Near Madison Blue Spring State Park: Legacy Fine Arts, Books, and Gifts

Legacy Fine Arts, Books, and Gifts is a shop in Madison that sells, you guessed it, fine arts, books, and gifts. It is located 10 miles from Madison Blue Spring State Park.

It’s a perfectly cozy bookstore to visit while you are in the area. 

Legacy offers a fine selection of gifts and souvenirs with many options for bookworms and art lovers.

Make sure to stop by the neighboring coffee shop for a freshly brewed cup of coffee to accompany your next great read.

The shop also has a small but lovely art gallery to check out.

TIPS:

• Legacy Fine Arts, Books and Gifts is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 
• Stop by neighboring businesses before or after your visit, such as Sunrise Coffee Shop and The Wine Cellar Tasting Room. 

For more information, visit the official Legacy Fine Arts, Books and Gifts Facebook page. 

Legacy Fine Arts, Books, and Gifts Address: 227 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340

Additional Places to Shop Near Madison Blue Spring State Park

• Southern Grace Gifts, 224 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340
• Umcm Thrift Shop, 189 SW Horry Ave, Madison, FL 32340
• Daisy and Dukes Boutique, 140 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340
• MuddyDog Rock and Crystal Shop, 179 Duval St, Madison, FL 32340
• Madison Antiques Market & Interiors, 197 SW Range Ave, Madison, FL 32340

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