Discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. This is the site of the Roe River, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river. Giant Springs flows at a measured 7.9 millions gallons per hour or 193 million gallons of water per day. The water stays at a temperature of 54 degrees, and has been carbon dated to be about 3,000 years old. More than a quarter of a million people, visit Giant Springs Heritage Park each year. Many come to marvel at this remarkable feature, or to view the variety of bird life. Some come to visit the nearby Rainbow Falls Overlook, the visitor center, and the fish hatchery. The Fish Hatchery Program raises about 1.3 million fish annually. They are then distributed to areas within a 150-mile radius of the hatchery. A group picnic site is also available.

The visitor center (right across from the roadway from the springs) features taxidermy mounts of grizzly and black bears, educational features on fish and bird recognition, wildlife photographs, and a mini-theater that shows wildlife videos. It's open Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.