Silver Springs, Florida
| Silver Springs | |
|---|---|
| Unincorporated community | |
Silver Springs Park
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 Location of Silver Springs, Florida |
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| Coordinates: 29°12′59″N 82°3′28″W / 29.21639°N 82.05778°WCoordinates: 29°12′59″N 82°3′28″W / 29.21639°N 82.05778°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| County | Marion County |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 34488-34489 |
Silver Springs is a U.S. unincorporated community and the site of aquatic springs in Marion County, Florida, United States. The springs are one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world, producing nearly 550 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily. Silver Springs forms the headwaters of the Silver River, the largest tributary on the Ocklawaha River, a part of the St. Johns River system. The springs were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
One of Florida's first tourist attractions, the springs drew visitors even before the U.S. Civil War. Glass bottom boats have been a popular way to see the 242-acre (98 ha) complex. A small amusement park with various animals, a concert stage, carousel and exhibits also developed. The glass-bottom boats are still running 365 days per year as of November 2015 with details of kayak rentals and onsite restaurants and a market visible on www.silversprings.com .
Silver Springs is located just to the east of the city of Ocala. It is part of the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Silver Springs was founded in 1852.
Since the mid-19th century, the natural beauty of Silver Springs has attracted visitors from around the country. Glass bottom boat tours of the springs began in the late 1870s. In the 1920s, W. Carl Ray and W.M. "Shorty" Davidson (Ray and Davidson leased the land from Mr. Ed Carmichael. Upon whose death the Springs were left to the University of Florida) made the land around the headwaters of the Spring into something resembling the attraction that is there today, now known as the Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. The attraction features native animal exhibits and 30 or 90 minute glass bottom boat tours of the springs. Downstream from the attraction is the Silver River State Park.
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