Dunnellon marks the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers. The city of 2,000 lies deep in the verdant hammocks of Central Florida, about 20 miles off the coast and 25 miles from Ocala, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Mark St. Germain, a Realtor with LPT Realty, says folks make the drive to Ocala regularly for more extensive healthcare, dining and shopping options, but nothing is better than coming back home to two beautiful rivers and a quiet rural atmosphere. “I live on the river, and there’s some real peace in looking out on the water, seeing the world and the wildlife around you,” he says.
Dunnellon is a boon for outdoor recreation. Miles of trails wind through its dense forests. Rainbow Springs State Park is on the city’s north side. “I love all the opportunities on the water – kayaking, fishing, swimming,” St. Germain says. “And I love that it’s not too crowded here. It’s like old Florida.”
The main modes of getting in and out of Dunnellon are Highways 41 and 484, which intersect downtown. Nearby Highway 40 is a straight shot to Ocala. The closest commercial airport is Gainesville Regional Airport, which is 50 miles away.
The scenery is endless amongst the century years old oak trees in Dunnellon.
There are a variety of retail and dining options in Fellowship, Florida.
Relax and refresh at your home on the Withlacoochee River in Dunnellon.
Soak in the sun on a lazy kayak float along the Rainbow River.
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The Dunnellon Trail and Rainbow Springs State Park
St. Germain says traffic picks up in the summer when out-of-towners flock to area rivers and parks. The Dunnellon Trail runs about two miles along a Boomtown-era railroad and the Withlacoochee River on Dunnellon’s south side. The popular pathway bridges the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway and the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. Rainbow Springs State Park spans almost 1,500 acres along Dunnellon’s north side. The park is famous for its spring-fed pool, an attraction since the 1930s. The crystal blue water averages around 72 degrees year-round, and depth varies from 10 to 18 feet. Visitors enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, as well as snorkeling and swimming alongside turtles and stretches of seagrass. Another popular activity is paddling or tubing down the Rainbow River, surrounded by gorgeous subtropical greenery. The river is about 6 miles long and, much like the spring, is crystal clear and great for snorkeling. KP Hole Park is another river access point featuring a boat ramp. It's a popular banking spot for tubers and kayakers.
Residents enjoy miles of riding on the Withlacoochee Trails in Hernando.
Follow the hiking trails to amazing waterfalls at Rainbow Springs State Park.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water at Rainbow Springs State Park.
KP Hole Park features a boat ramp, kayak ramp, and perfect access to Rainbow River
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Boomtown Days and the Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District
The discovery of quality phosphate rock in Dunnellon's landscape put it on the map and earned it the everlasting moniker Boomtown. The small city was established in 1890, and mining pits were soon dug out around the Rainbow River. Dunnellon quickly became a transportation hub thanks to the mines, railroad and Withlacoochee River. However, the phosphate began to dry up in the 1920s, and – just as fast as it began – the city’s boom quieted. The city’s primary industry has since shifted to manufacturing, followed by transportation and warehousing. Today, Dunnellon celebrates its founding annually with Boomtown Days. The day-long festival fills the city center with delicious food, beautiful art and high spirits. Car shows, beauty pageants and concerts are among the main events.
Remnants of the bygone era can be found around the city’s downtown, officially known as the Dunnellon Historic Boomtown District. It’s home to around 70 historic buildings, several of which have been transformed into local shops, such as Grumbles House, an antique and garden store, and The Station Nutrition, a charming cafe. These local businesses – including community staples like the waterfront Swampy’s Bar and Grille – cluster around the district's quaint main strip on Highway 484. Walmart, Tractor Supply Co. and other big-box chains are north of downtown along U.S. Highway 41.
Beautiful Dunnellon nestled between the Withlacooche, and Rainbow Rivers.
The Grumble House is a memory of times past, it's a favorite antique shop in Dunnellon.
With plenty of retail shops, Dunnellon has everything you could need.
Dine amongst nature while at Swampy's Bar & Grill and watch fish swim by.
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Private docks, vintage cottages and leafy lots
The median price for a single-family home in Dunnellon is around $280,000, about $100,000 less than the national average. Midcentury ranch-style homes sit on midsized waterfront lots along the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers. The Dunnellon Boomtown Historic District features vintage cottages and bungalows. Houses on the city’s outskirts sit on larger, leafier lots by vast expanses of farmland. New construction properties can be found in Dunnellon Oaks, a subdivision currently being built out with New Traditional properties.
Dunnellon is 20 miles off the coast, and most properties have a minimal flood risk. However, flood insurance is recommended – especially for waterfront properties – due to the unpredictable nature of hurricane season, ranging from June 1st to November 30th.
A modest contemporary style home in Dunnellon.
Wake up in the morning to see this amazing nature out your window and pinch yourself in Dunnellon.
The classic quaint downtown cottages are having a revival in Dunnellon, as new people come to town.
A large modern farmhouse style home sits on manicured lawn in Dunnellon.
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Dunnellon schools have small class sizes
Dunnellon is served by Marion County Public Schools, which earns a B from Niche. The district has three public schools in the city – Dunnellon Elementary, Dunnellon Middle and Dunnellon High – each graded B-minus. Because the community is small, students benefit from small class sizes. Of the three schools, Dunnellon Elementary has the smallest student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. Dunnellon High, home of the Tigers, offers various sports ranging from weightlifting and football to cross country and volleyball. The high school also has dual enrollment courses and two magnet programs: the Advanced Studies Program and the Power Generation Academy.
Dunnellon Elementary School is a public school serving 560 students in grades PK, K-5.
The student population of Dunnellon Middle School is 678 and the school serves grades 6-8.
Dunnellon High School is a public school serving 1,186 students in grades 9-12.
Student love to play on the fields at Dunnellon High School.
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Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Javier Rojas,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dunnellon, FL sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Dunnellon, FL over the last 12 months is $260,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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