View of historic boats docked at the landing of Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park

Experience glass-bottomed boats over America's largest spring

Temporary Trail Closures

During prolonged periods of rain, wetland areas such as the Northern Equestrian Trails and Southeast Trails (Bike and Ft King Historic Trails) are prone to flooding and may be periodically closed for visitor safety. Please visit or contact the ranger station to find out the status of these trails at 352-236-7148, ext. 4. 

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days per year

Fees

$8 per vehicle

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Location

1425 NE 58th Ave.
Ocala FL 34470

Get directions

Contact Info

352-236-7148

Welcome to Silver Springs State Park

Explore one of America’s largest and best loved springs from the park’s famous glass bottom boats and see an underwater world.

The main spring is surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures reminiscent of the days when Silver Springs was a major destination for northerners arriving by steamship.

The park is still a favorite destination and the home of the annual Springsfest celebrating protection and restoration of all Florida springs and waterways. The Silver  River allows kayakers to experience a primeval forest wilderness surrounded by some of the state’s best managed sandhills accessible by trails and dotted with friendly campgrounds.

Plan Your Visit

Sally Lieb, Park Manager
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Manager's Message

Fall brings the usual delights to Silver Springs such as the fabulous blooms in the sandhills, especially in zones where burns occurred within the last two years. Something new and exciting this year is a great increase in manatee sightings! Small gatherings have even been seen in the headspring in the early morning and along the route of the glass bottom boat tours.
Boat Tours
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Glass Bottom Boat Tours

As Florida’s oldest attraction, the Glass Bottom Boats showcase the crystal clear springs and the underwater life that naturally inhabits Silver Springs. Come enjoy one of the many daily trips up and down the Silver River where guests have the unique opportunity to see below the surface of the water and enjoy the river’s wildlife, vegetation and historical and cultural artifacts.
Picture of Mammoth
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Silver River Museum

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center provides unique hands-on learning opportunities for Marion County Public Schools students, staff and the general public. Visitors learn about the cultural and natural history of Marion County, and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural and natural resources. 

Experiences

Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Boat Tours
Boat Tours
Paddling
Paddling
Boating
Boating
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Bicycling
Bicycling
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Hiking
Hiking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Picnicking
Picnicking
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Birding
Birding
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing
Weddings
Weddings

Amenities

Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Cabins
Cabins
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Laundry
Laundry
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Museum
Museum
Historic Site
Historic Site
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Pets
Pets
Playground
Playground
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Gardens
Gardens
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Parking
Parking

Silver Springs Entrance
View of Boardwalk Area and Historic Boats
Kayakers and SUPs
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Historic Boats on the Silver Springs
Paradise Ballroom

Reserve the Paradise Ballroom for you next special event.

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Scenic Spring run Beauty
Visit the Historic Cracker Village

The cracker homestead is a replica of a 19th century pioneer settlement and is available for exploration during the Museum's hours of operation. This collection of buildings represents a small "Cracker'' settlement dating to the 1890s.

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Kayaker with Manatee

If you're lucky, you can see manatees during your paddling adventure at Silver Springs State Park!

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View of Concessions at Silver Springs
Become a volunteer at Silver Springs
Cabin at Silver Springs

Located beneath shady oaks and beautiful pine trees, Silver Springs' vacation cabins accommodate up to six people. 

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Silver Springs Springhead
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Geology of Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs offers one of Florida’s premier views of clear groundwater flowing to land surface and an excellent example of the connection between rocks and water over geologic time. More than 30 springs that have been documented in the upper part of the Silver River.  These springs emerge from ancient limestone formations that frame the upper part of Floridan aquifer system, which underlies the entire state of Florida.
Silver Springs Trail
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Trails of Silver Springs

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a walk on one of the Silver Springs State Park’s paths and trails. Wildlife viewing is plentiful on the Sandhill Trail. You might catch a glance of the Sherman’s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer or wild turkey among the longleaf pines.

Upcoming Events

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Event

Pickin' In The Park

Sunday, November 18, 2018 1:00 pm EST
Event

River Rhythms at Silver Springs

Friday, November 23, 2018 4:00 pm EST
Event

Cracker Village Tour

Saturday, November 24, 2018 10:00 am EST

People Make the Parks

Join the team

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer at Silver

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida!
Friends of Silver

Friends of Silver Springs State Park

Friends of Silver Springs State Park is a Citizen Support Organization (CSO), a non-profit volunteer organization, dedicated to preserving and enhancing Silver Springs State Park.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida's Springs
Great Florida Birding Trail
Green Lodging
Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage
Viva Florida 500

Park Map

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