Mark Kosinski
Landscape and Nature Photographer
Silver Springs State Park
We took a day trip to the Ocala area to visit Silver Springs State Park. The springs refer to a group of artesian springs and a famous historic tourist attraction. In the early to mid 1800's it began attracting visitors from across the United States. Glass bottom boat tours began in the 1870’s. During the 1920s, W. Carl Ray and W.M. "Shorty" Davidson leased the land from Ed Carmichael (upon his death the springs were donated to the University of Florida). They developed the land around the headwaters of the Silver River into an attraction that became known as Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. The attraction featured native animal exhibits, amusement rides, and glass-bottom boat tours of the springs. In 2013, the State of Florida took over operations of Silver Springs and combined it with the adjacent Silver River State Park to form the new Silver Springs State Park.
Our Experience At Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park
There are 3 entrances to Silver Springs State Park. The main entrance has a large paved parking lot, the camping entrance and the equestrian entrance. Boat rides and canoes are available as well. Facilities for dining and a large reception facility for parties and receptions is available..