Several families settled here in 1886, establishing the community now known as Aripeka. It was named for the Aripeka Saw Mills Corporation, which had adopted the name of an early 19th century Seminole leader. Originally located in Hernando County, the post office was moved across Hammock Creek into Pasco County in 1921. Early visitors included notables such as baseball great Herman "Babe" Ruth. Aripeka remains a sleepy fishing village and, more recently, an artists' haven.