Additional Information for Silver River State Park

Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center

Organized and overseen by the Marion County Board of Education.

All Marion County school children are required to go through an educational program in 4th and 7th grades.

Classes are conducted here at the Center which offers an extensive environmental library, classrooms, natural & cultural history museum, and a restoration/replica of a Cracker Village representing Florida life styles in the late 1800’s. Museum is open to the public on weekends and major holidays only from 9-5; and in the summer season Tues – Friday 10:00 – 4:00. There is a $2.00 admission fee which goes toward the continuation of the educational program. “Ocali Country Days”, held the second week of November is the main funding resource for the Museum and the educational program.

Plant Life

Silver River has ten distinct ecological communities providing a remarkable variety of plant life. From swamp to sandhill the changes in ecosystems provide a glimpse into Central Florida's vast botanical diversity.

Wildlife

Animals inhabiting Silver River include white tail deer, coyote, fox, Sherman fox squirrel, otters, Florida Black bear (not usually seen), alligators, bob cat, southeastern pocket gophers and gopher tortoises, to name a few. Bird life is especially rich due to the many differing ecological systems within the park. Visitors may request a bird and animal check list at the Ranger Station.

Pets

Pet Friendly Trails and Camping

Well-mannered and leashed pets are welcome at the Silver River Campground and on all our hiking trails. Sorry, but pets are not permitted in the cabins, the museum or the restrooms. (Service animals are the only exception.)

Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.