About Us

The City of Dunnellon and surrounding area (the "Treasure of the Nature Coast") welcomes visitors with small town charm. The Rainbow Springs State Park; crystal clear Rainbow River to canoe, kayak, or tube; a fisherman's paradise on the Withlacoochee River and Lake Rouseau; treasures to be found in local shops; trails for equine, bike, or hiking enthusiasts; and great food at local restaurants; make Dunnellon the TRUE Florida and an easy secret to discover West on FL Hwy 40 from either I-75 or I-95 to US Hwy 41 and then South five miles.  

The Dunnellon area offers a variety of eco-tourism opportunities for visitors of any age to explore. Both water sports, and numerous trails, and local history abound in Dunnellon for you to enjoy.

     The small town atmosphere in Dunnellon makes for a restful break from the stress and strain of everyday pressures. You can feel comfortable and safe strolling around our nationally registered Historic District, through shops that sell a wide variety of gifts and antiques, as well as our other business districts.

     Along the way, if you feel a little hungry, you can take a break and relax over a leisurely and delicious meal at one of our lovely local restaurants.

 For the more adventurous types there are numerous opportunities to enjoy our two local rivers: The Rainbow River and the Withlacoochee River.

The crystal clear Rainbow River starts at the Rainbow Springs State Park on US 41 where the head waters are located. The park is open daily and offers areas in which you can canoe, swim, snorkel, picnic, observe nature at it’s finest, or just plain relax. Rainbow Springs State Park hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year.

      About one mile down river there is the Rainbow Springs State Park Campground on the east side, with 105 campsites available. All sites are available with water and electric, some sites have septic hook-ups. The campground is located 2.5 miles north of county road 484 off of SW 180^th Avenue Rd. During peak season (April through September) reservations are recommended. At the campground there are ample opportunities to go canoeing, snorkeling, or just sit around the campfire. A boat ramp for hand launched vessels only is available as well as canoe and tube rentals.

      A little further down stream and on the West side of the river is the location of the KP Hole County Park. The park is located on SW 190^th Avenue Road and has been in service for over 50 years. The Park offers canoe and tube rentals as well as other amenities, and is the only boat ramp on the Rainbow River for motorized vessels.

     Behind the Dunnellon Area Chamber of Commerce office is the confluence of the  Rainbow River and the Withlacoochee Rivers and the site of  the city beach. This park offers a sandy beach as well as a playground area and picnic tables.

     For the fisherman the Withlacoochee River and Lake Rousseau offer exceptional large mouth bass fishing, which is why we are the "Bass Capital of Florida". The Gulf of Mexico is only minutes away heading west on CR 40, or by water through the Withlacooche River. The river can be accesed from the City Boat Dock on US Hwy 41. 

     In the heart of Dunnellon on US 41 is the Historical Railroad Depot. The Depot is owned and operated by the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society. The Depot houses a museum and country store. It is open on Saturdays during special events.

   Eco-tourism is the engine that drives Dunnellon's economy. Last year there were 306,017 visitors to Dunnellon that came to enjoy the TRUE Florida. These visitors rented 13,089 local lodging rooms at a rate of $525,320.00 and paid admissions of $278,820 at our local State and County parks. 

2000 CENSUS DUNNELLON FLORIDA AREA DEMOGRAPHICS

  Map coordinates are Lat 29.05.19; Lon 82.26.02;  Degree N 29.05;  Degree S 82.26

           CLIMATE

Average annual temperature = 70.3

Summer average temperature = 85.2F

Winter average temperature = 55.4F

Spring average temperature = 68.7F

Rainfall 49.97 inches annual average

Sea Level at City Hall is 53.590

        TRI-COUNTY POPULATION INFORMATION;

         BY RACE-ETHNICITY-SEX

Male = 19,910

Female = 22,750

White = 39,303

Black = 1613

Native American = 121

Asian = 178

Mix = 417

Hispanic = 1220

Other = 283

Total population = 43,135 an increase of 19,788 since 1990 census

MEDIAN AGE

53.5 a decrease of 3.3 since 1990 census

   EDUCATION LEVEL ATTAINED

High School Graduate = 27,187

Bachelor (or higher) = 4482

   PER CAPITA INCOME

$17,335 an increase of $5197 since 1990 census

   HOUSING INFORMATION

Home ownership = 17,613

Median Home Price = $82,800

Rent = 1794

   CITY OF DUNNELLON POPULATION

1923, a decrease of 13 since 1990 census

      If you are interested in relocation information on the Dunnellon area, we have a relocation information kit that includes: an area map, an excellent video tour of our area, historic brochure and Chamber member directory, demographic information, and eco-tourism information. The kit which can be customized to your information needs is only $7.50 ( shipping & handling, map and video) and will be mailed to upon receipt of your check.