silver springs state park
Florida’s oldest tourism attraction will soon be its newest. Silver Springs, known for its glass-bottom boats since the late 1800s, will open as a state park on October 1. For family travelers that means less theme park pizzazz but cheaper admission and a more park-like setting.
The famous glass bottom boat tours remain. So does Wild Waters, the commercial water park that is open in season under separate ownership. The animal attractions have been relocated. Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute closed months ago.
Forming the headwaters of the Silver River, Silver Springs were one of the largest known spring flows in the world. Surrounded by Silver River State Park, the 242-acre former attraction will now be part of the Park and will share its name. Sadly, the springs are in trouble. Nearly 92 percent of the fish biomass is gone. Water flow has diminished by half and nitrogen-nitrate levels are 25 times higher.
Under state supervision, environmentalists strive to save what’s left. Old buildings from the honky-tonk days were removed. Harmful run-off is being re-channeled. As studies are completed, new steps will be taken.
The good news for Florida families is that, as a state park now, the attraction gains campgrounds, a playground, rental cabins for overnight stays, picnic facilities with grills, a pioneer village, a museum, primitive camping for groups and miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Paddlers find quiet waters on the Silver River, which empties into the Oklawaha, largest tributary of the St. Johns River.
The 5,000-acre state park offers ten distinct nature habitats. Watch for plentiful bird life including a large colony of limpkins. Alligators, turtles, large fish and other critters are spotted by sharp-eyed visitors. With luck you might see deer, foxes, bobcats and sometimes coyotes and black bears.
In the Beginning
Timucuan Indians were known to be in the area they called Ocali in the early 1500s. Spanish explorers visited the area. A century later traders and travelers arrived by steamboat and stage coach. As early as 1878, tourists were buying tickets on glass-bottom boats that allowed them to see depths filled with fossils 10,000 years old.
Since the 1940’s many movies and television shows have been made here including six Tarzan films, “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and parts of “The Yearling” starring Jane Wyman and Gregory Peck. Countless TV shows, commercials and even a TV soap opera have used the springs as a backdrop.
But Wait, There’s More
The Ocala area is in the tourism spotlight for other reasons too. As the home and breeding grounds of thoroughbred horses that bring in $100 million dollars per year, the area also offers some of the state’s most beautiful country drives. Simply load the kids into the back seat and drive back roads to view horses grazing on acres of lush green.
Thoroughbred farms here have produced 45 national champions including six Kentucky Derby winners. To get an inside view, ask about tours. They are done as a courtesy by the ranchers, so availability changes often. Get a current list from Ocala/Marion tourist sources listed below. Then call for appointments. The city also holds internationally known equestrian events, auctions and horse shows such as the Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Ocala Winter Circuit. More than 3,500 horses and 7,000 riders compete in horse jumping contests over seven weeks starting in January.
Ocala’s Appleton Museum of Art has impressive collections, especially its gallery of European masters. The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is in Ocala and exciting dirt track auto races are held at Bubba Raceway. The massive, 673-square-mile Ocala National Forest has numerous campgrounds, hiking trails, off-road and equestrian trails, picnic sites and places to paddle. Many springs within the Forest are open to swimmers. Spring waters are a gentle 72 degrees even in winter.
Lastly, getting there can be part of the fun. Go one way on I-95, visiting beach cities or Cape Canaveral along the way. Return via the Florida Turnpike, which takes you through Orlando and the theme parks.
If You Go
For more information: Silver River State Park, (352) 236-7148, floridastateparks.org/silverriver/. Ocala is about 320 miles from Miami. It’s 80 miles north of Orlando on I-75 and 60 miles west of I-95 at Ormond Beach. Silver River State Park is open all year; the adjacent water park and some other attractions operate only in season. For information on Ocala and Marion County call (352) 438-2800, ocala/marion.com. Ocala National Forest, fs.usda.gov/ocala, (352) 236-0288
Costs
Florida state park fees apply for park admission, camping and cabin rentals. Glass-bottom boat rides and museum admission are extra.
Where to Stay
In the park campsites are available for tents or RV’s. A two-night minimum applies for cabin rental. The Ocala area has many RV campgrounds and a large selection of motels including popular chains. B&B accommodations range from historic mansions in the heart of the old city to an equestrian B&B that houses guests and their horses.
Janet Groene is a professional travelwriter who lives in Florida. She develops healthy, homemade travel snack recipes seen at CreateAGorp.blogspot.com.