The History of Blue Spring Reserve

Located on State Road 19 off the Florida Turnpike, Exit for Highway 27 also marked Howey-the-Hills

Blue Spring Reserve sits on land over which the Timacuan tribe roamed for hundreds of years. In 1513, explorer Hernando de Soto and his Conquistadors claimed the area just west of the Reserve. Their exploitation and an ensuing conflict led to the end of the Timacuan era. The Seminole tribe moved into the area from northern Florida and southern Georgia. They settled the region, hunting and fishing in the marshes surrounding Blue Spring Reserve.

In 1974, Marlin Perkins purchased a large parcel now the home of Blue Spring Reserve and the adjacent Arrowtree development. Mr. Perkins is world-famous as the host of the award-winning series, "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom". Mr. Perkins had a unique vision; to create a wildlife-based theme park on the Blue Spring Reserve property. His announcement created significant interest in the area, resulting in the development of hotels, commercial, and residential properties just South of Blue Spring Reserve at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and State Route 19. Further commercial interest dwindled when Mr. Perkins’ vision did not fully materialize. Although Mr. Perkins did not construct his theme park, Blue Spring Reserve became home to dozens of exotic wildlife species. Local lore recounts hippopotamus bathing in the canals and giraffe necks peering above the stately oaks.