OLD FLORIDA TOWNS ON US-41

U.S. Highway 41 enters Florida near the Georgia state line in Jennings.  It meanders more than 212 miles south to Tampa, where it continues on to Naples and then across the state to Miami.

US41 Georgia Border to Tampa

This highway was one of the earliest roads that funneled motorists from the American Midwest to Florida.  It goes through some historic areas that you would never see if you stay on I-75.

Here are some of the towns you will pass through on this route: Jennings, White Springs, Lake City, High Springs, Williston, Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs, Inverness, Floral City, Brooksville, and Tampa.

JENNINGS is the first town you come to in Florida after crossing south on US-41.  It's northern city limit line actually touches the Georgia state line.  There is still one building up there that the state line runs through.  Maybe it's this old bar. 

Jennings Last Bar Vintage Postcard

JASPER is a small town that is the county seat of Hamilton County.  It was at one time a railroad junction and busy town, but when I-75 got built in the 1960s, traffic slowed down in Jasper. Click on photo for more about Jasper.

Old Hamilton County Jail, photo by Ebyabe

WHITE SPRINGS is a small town not far south of the Georgia border.  It is home to Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park, and hosts the Florida Folk Festival each year.  Click on photo for more about White Springs.

Adams House, White Springs

LAKE CITY is an old crossroads town that is at the intersection of US-90, US-441, and US-41.  Today both I-10 and I-75 go through the city.  Click on photo for more about Lake City. 

St. James Episcopal Church, Lake City

HIGH SPRINGS is in the center of many of Florida's famous freshwater springs and is a staging center for kayaking and other outdoor activities.  It is at the intersection of US-41 and US-27.  Click on photo for more about High Springs. 

Downtown High Springs

NEWBERRY is 18 miles west of Gainesville.  It is a small rural city that has many historical buildings and some modern athletic facilities.  Click on photo for more about Newberry.

Newberry Little Red Schoolhouse

WILLISTON is southwest of Gainesville and has become home to many people who work at the University of Florida or other businesses.  It is a charming town with interesting old homes.  Click on photo for more about Williston.

Williston Train Station

RAINBOW SPRINGS is a former private attraction that is now a state park just north of Dunnellon.  It is on the Rainbow River and is a great place to sight see and camp.  Click on photo for more about Rainbow Springs.

Rainbow Springs State Park Waterfall

INVERNESS is an old town on Lake Tsala Apopka.  It has the historic Citrus County courthouse and a fine downtown area with good shopping and dining.  Click on photo for more about Inverness.

Downtown Inverness

FLORAL CITY is a tiny unincorporated community at the south end of the Lake Tsala Apopka chain.  It has some of the best canopied roads in the state.  Click on photo for more about Floral City.

Home in Floral City

BROOKSVILLE is an old town with a Southern heritage that is the crossroads for US-41, US-98, and State Road 50.  It has many preserved old southern homes.  Click on photo for more about Brooksville.

Brooksville Avenue

TAMPA is a huge urban city in the middle of a metropolitan area of 2.8 million people.  It is loaded with history since it was one of the first places settled in this part of Florida.  Click on photo for more about Tampa.

Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa