Greater Dunnellon Historical Society

05/28/2026

Music and food June 12

05/21/2026

When Rainbow Springs State Park was an attraction

Rainbow Springs ca. 1972: A leaf-shaped gondola from the Forest Flight monorail glides over a scenic waterfall at the old roadside attraction near Dunnellon – now a Florida State Park.

The monorail opened to the public in 1968. Florida’s then-governor, Claude Kirk, delivered a dedication speech to the assembled riders on opening day and then tried a gondola for himself. While Rainbow Springs’ glass-bottom submarine boats had provided water-level views of the springs since the 1930s, the new Forest Flight ride gave visitors a “tree level” experience of the surrounding area and aviary.

The Rainbow Springs attraction closed in 1974 but reopened as Rainbow Springs State Park in 1995, with a focus on historical interpretation, conservation and quiet recreation like kayaking and tubing.

Explore more photos of Florida’s historic aerial rides at the State Archives of Florida. ✴️

📷Department of Commerce collection. State Archives of Florida, Image DC725918.

05/14/2026

Our next Whistle Stop Cafe is Friday, June 12. Reggie Stacy returns to our stage with a variety of music, across numerous genres. Reggie recently was awarded Vocalist and Entertainer of the year by the North America Country Music Assocation.
In consideration of the price of gas, we discounted the price of admission for this show. $10 for a single, or $15 for two people coming in together. We hope to see you there, we offer food too. Make it a date night and support live music.

05/08/2026

You've been meaning to make it to one of our Whistle Stop Cafe evenings... so make it tonight. $10 admission, cash only. Door 5:30, food offered to 7:30, music starts at 6:30.

05/05/2026

Coming very, very soon to Dunnellon Depot, train station is our next Whistle Stop Cafe on Friday May 8.
Music is from AJ in Evolution. He strips classics from the 60 -90 to the bare bones and makes them his own. He doesn't just play music it "evolves" during the show. Music is from 6:30 to 8:30. Admission is $10. Cash only.
Doors of the Depot open at 5:30 and food is offered 7:30. Fried green tomatoes, Cuban sandwiches, meatloaf sandwiches, hobo stew, nachos and desserts. Thanking you in advance for supporting live music

04/30/2026

Friday, May 8, is a great night to head to the Dunnellon Depot for a evening of food and music. Save gas and still have a good time . AJ in Evolution is on stage twisting up classics so they evolve into something to remember. Admission is $10.

04/22/2026

Mark your calendar for May 8 because that is another Whistle Stop Cafe night. Music is from AJ in Evolution. He strips classics from the 60 -90 to the bare bones and makes them his own. He doesn't just play music it "evolves" during the show. Music is from 6:30 to 8:30. Admission is $10. Cash only.
Doors of the Depot open at 5:30 and food is offered 7:30. Fried green tomatoes, Cuban sandwiches, meatloaf sandwiches, hono stew, nachos and desserts.

04/21/2026

Today, April 21, is Dunnellon's birthday. The area known as Dunnellon became incorporated in 1891. W. W. Lindsey was the first mayor.

04/13/2026

Saturday

04/11/2026

We're set up at Boomtown. Come see. The Depot itself is open from 10 to 2pm. The preacher is in, so you can married.

04/09/2026

This Saturday is Boomtown but next Saturday, the 18th is the Psychic Fair. Admission is $5, small bills appreciated. For information about the many offerings, look at Spirit Row's FB page.