Silver Springs State Park Showcases Nature's Finest Features

Ocala, FL —Silver Springs State Park has been a central Florida tradition since the 1870s. With

a diverse waterway and rich history, the excursions, wildlife and ecotourism experiences offered

at Silver Springs State Park showcase variety on both scope and scale.

Silver Springs State Park offers guests the unique ability to glimpse into the underwater world on

our famous Glass Bottom Boats. An experience that cannot be rivaled elsewhere, the boats have

served as a local and international fixture, as they highlight the wealth of beauty and history that

rests beneath the surface of the spring.

Silver Springs drains into the Silver River and is fed by the Mammoth Springs, one of the largest

natural springs in the world, flowing at roughly 420,000 millions gallons of water per day. The

spring contains movie props from a rich era of cinematography, Native American artifacts from

the earliest Florida civilizations, a rowboat from early Spanish explorers, and plant and animal life

unique to the lush Florida eco-systems.

Guests at Silver Springs State Park are able to enjoy the diverse waterway through kayaking,

biking, and hiking tours through the State Forest and down the Silver River. One of the most

popular and interactive ways to experience the Silver River is to enjoy a five mile paddle on

kayak or canoe. Beginning at the head spring, and ending at RaysWayside guests are able to

explore the river in its entirety. A short shuttle ride back to the headspring makes the five mile,

down-river paddle a pleasant journey. Start to finish, the excursion takes approximately three

hours to complete.

The neighboring State Forest is home to unique eco-systems: wet prairies, sand pine scrub, the

longleaf pine, sand hills, pine flatwoods, live oak hammocks and swamps. This proximity also

permits visitors a dynamic, diverse look at natural Florida. The surrounding land and habitats of

Silver Springs have been meticulously preserved; creating an ecological experience rich in

history and wildlife.

During the summer months, Silver Springs' sister park, Wild Waters Water Park is open to

visitors looking to cool off and play for a day under the beautiful sprawling oak trees. Water

slides, flumes and pools offer a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the Florida heat.

Visitor Services programs at Silver Springs State Park and Wild Waters are operated through a

Concessionary partnership agreement with Silver Springs Management, Inc. Silver Springs and

Wild Waters are managed and protected by the Florida Department of Environmental

Protection's State Park System.

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