Long before the arrival of theme parks to the state of Florida, visitors seeking refuge from the cold and frozen North found respite at attractions that showcased the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Sunshine State. Some of these vintage attractions have disappeared, but Silver Springs State Park is the exception.
“Silver Springs State Parks is a premier destination in the state of Florida,” said Alex Cronin, with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Press Office. “The combination of natural beauty, variety of visitor activities and educational family fun make Silver Springs State Park a great travel destination.”
Silver Springs, on the Silver River, is considered the largest natural spring in America. An estimated 550 million gallons of water per day is released from the main springs in the Silver River basin, with 850 million per day released system wide.
According to an online resource on the park website, the park’s natural springs illustrate the “connection between rocks and water over geologic time.” Thirty-plus springs have been documented in the upper portion of the Silver River, emerging from ancient limestone formations. This aquifer system provides water to hundreds of springs around the state including some of the largest and deepest springs in the world.
The sunbathing gator at Silver Springs SP. [Photo: Florida State Parks/Theresa Mott]
The largest of these springs within the Silver Springs area is Mammoth Spring.
The rock formation exposed in Silver Springs is called the Ocala Limestone and was named for the city of Ocala where the limestone was first described. The Ocala Limestone is a white, chalky, highly fossiliferous limestone that was deposited in a warm, shallow marine environment more than 35 million years ago. Remnants of the sea-life cycle of the Springs can be seen in the fossilized remains of sand dollars, sea biscuits, clams, snails and single-celled organisms called foraminifera that accumulated on the sea floor over millions of years.
The artisan water and the clear quality of the springs began attracting tourists to its Central Florida location as early as the 1820s. Travel on the springs then was via a boat propelled by poles. The development of the paddle wheel boosted enjoyment of the springs, and in the late 1870s, Phillip Morrell added a piece of glass to the bottom of a rowboat. That innovation led to Silver Springs iconic association with glass-bottomed boats, an association that continues today.
In its heyday, Silver Springs and its glass-bottom boats, appealed to tourists, earning it the distinction of being the first, and now oldest, tourist attraction in the state. About 24 movies used Silver Springs for locations, including a Tarzan series, The Creature From the Black Lagoon, Rebel Without A Cause starring the late James Dean, and the James Bond films Thunderball, Moonraker and Never Say Never Again. Television shows also used the location. These included Sea Hunt.
Attractions were added throughout the years, with limited success and visitor engagement. But its most recent metamorphosis has been into the Florida State Parks system.
“Silver Springs State Park is not only a popular attraction for Ocala, but also the state of Florida,” Cronin said. “The Glass Bottom Boat Tours are an iconic experience offered by this park. The glass bottom of the boat provides visitors a window through which to see the underwater world of the springs.”
That aquatic world and the land surrounding it are home to a variety of native species. The park boasts almost 5,000 acres of varying habitats that are home to mammals, reptiles and birds. The river is home to alligators, turtles and many species of fish. Armadillos, deer, turkey, fox, the Sherman fox squirrel and gopher tortoises Less common are reported sightings of coyote, bobcats and the Florida black bear. Silver Springs also has a population of Limpkins, and many other water and woodland birds.
Overview of the blue natural springs covering Silver Springs State Park [Photo: Florida State Parks/Becky Burkhart]
There is more than one way to experience this slice of natural Florida.
“Along with the historic boat tours, visitors experience the natural beauty of Silver Springs in a myriad of different ways such as paddling, horseback, cycling, walking trails,” Cronin said. “This variety encourages repeat visits to the park, which continues to draw in locals as well as tourists.”
Cronin said 10 miles of trails are available for mountain biking, and the Fort King Paddling trail in the park allows visitors to take their canoe or kayak on 1.1-mile round trip loop around Ross Allen island.
Another aspect of this historic attraction are the gardens. Restoration began in 2014 with the removal of invasive species and the planting of native Florida species, such as wild flowers, and non-native Florida-friendly ornamentals, with the encouragement for the regrowth of native grasses and herbs. These plantings and garden maintenance are managed using techniques to lessen the impact on the springs.
Peak time for visitation is typically in the summer months, May through August.
Other amenities on site include the Silver River Museum and Environmental Center, the entrance station, campground, cabins, picnic area with playground and a canoe and kayak launch.
“The Silver River Museum and Educational Center is open on weekends and offers educational exhibits,” Cronin said.
Two exhibit areas, the main museum and the history wing, house displays and artifacts relating to Florida geology, paleontology, archaeology and natural history. The History Wing contains exhibits relating to Marion County and Florida history since written records became available with the arrival of the first European explorers, he said.
The park’s accommodations offer 59 sites in two campground loops that easily accommodate large RVs, with a maximum length of 50 feet. Each site offers water and electric hook-ups with recently upgraded 50-amp service. All sites have a fire ring, barbecue grill and picnic table. For more information on camping, visit the Florida State Parks website.
Several MobileRVing Preferred Properties are also near Silver Springs State Park:
Lake Waldena Resort is in Ocala National Forest, right on the shores of beautiful Lake Waldena in Silver Springs, Florida.
Tall Timbers Community RV & Mobile Home Park is located on the edge of the National Forest just 8 miles east of Silver Springs, Florida. Privately owned and operated, this 55+ Community offers RV and Mobile Home lots for permanent and temporary residents.
Wilderness RV Resort is located on Highway 40 in Central Florida and offers a unique roadside retreat fashioned as a national park, motor court, and welcome center.
Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest.
Silver Springs RV Park is a peaceful RV park in a community that has the laid back, retro feel of yesteryear with the conveniences of modern day and convenient location.
Camping, Destinations, Florida, Nature, Open Road, State Parks