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

Fees

$8 per vehicle

See all Fees

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
Learn

Manager's Message

Winter and early spring is the best time of all year to be in Florida, and visit Silver Springs, of course! The water is crystal clear, allowing great views of the many springs. 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
Service

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
Service

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

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

Amenities

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

Silver Springs Entrance
Spring
paddle
Kayaker with Manatee

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

Close
Information
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
View of Concessions at Silver Springs
Become a volunteer at Silver Springs
Kayak
Silver Springs Springhead
Learn

Geology of Silver Springs

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
Learn

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

See More Events
Event

2019 Silver River Knap-in And Stone Age Arts Festival

Sat, Feb 16, 2019 9:00 am - 4:00 pm EST

Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and other specialists in prehistoric skills will gather from across the eastern U.S. to demonstrate and sell their arts. Vendors will offer reproduction stone tools, raw stone, flint knapping tools, unique crafts, food and more.
Silver Springs

Ocala, FL

Event

2019 Silver River Knap-in And Stone Age Arts Festival

Sun, Feb 17, 2019 9:00 am - 4:00 pm EST

Expert flint knappers, archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and other specialists in prehistoric skills will gather from across the eastern U.S. to demonstrate and sell their arts. Vendors will offer reproduction stone tools, raw stone, flint knapping tools, unique crafts, food and more.
Silver Springs

Ocala, FL

Event

Pickin' In The Park

Sun, Feb 17, 2019 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Come enjoy local and visiting musicians perform acoustic music in a scenic area near the springs. Instruments usually include a banjo, guitar, fiddle, upright bass and accordion.
Silver Springs

Silver Springs, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Keith Aliengena smiling at the camera

Staff Spotlight

Growing up, Keith never imagined he would be a Park Ranger. Whether he is controlling invasive exotic plants and animals, maintaining fire breaks or conducting prescribed burns, Keith is proud to manage the natural resources.
Volunteer Bill Ney smiling at the camera

Volunteer Spotlight

Bill Ney loves volunteering at Silver Springs State Park so much that he has logged over 1,100 hours since 2013! Whether he is inside the education center or walking around, he is full of great stories.
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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