Silver Springs - a True Florida Icon

Silver Springs, located near Ocala in central Florida, has been known and used by humans for a very, long time. 

About 10,000 years ago, the Timucuan Indians hunted Columbian

Mammoths at these springs.  Later these headwaters for the Silver River were used recognized for their crystal clear artesian springs.  As the springs became more well known, around the 1870's, glass-bottomed boats were created for viewing points.  And by the 1920's developers created a theme park at the springs - often sited as Florida's first tourist attraction.

In more modern times, the location became a filming location for several movies and early TV shows.  Scenes from Tarzan movies (a favorite of mine many years ago) were filmed right there! I can remember monkeys in the trees - explained as escapees from the movies, or maybe an intentional release.

Much has changed at these springs over the past few decades.  It's heyday as a combination roadside attraction, exotic animal site, and home of clear springs pumping out huge amounts of clean water daily is past. The fully functional, handmade miniature circus is no longer there - moved to Sarasota, according to another visitor I spoke with.  Exotic animals that were used in the films, such as giraffes, have been removed. But we were told there are still a group of monkeys around.

And, even more important, and still very significant in todays' world, is the continued presence of those beautiful blue-green springs.  These springs have been rated as, perhaps, the world's largest, with releases of 550 million gallons of clear, artesian water per day!

First View of the Springs

Silver Springs is now a part of the Florida State Park system (incorporated into the Silver River State Park about 2 years ago (with a name change to Silver Springs SP).  And, the springs can still be toured in the famous glass-bottomed boats. 

Many native species live in or around the springs - including many fishes, birds, turtles, snakes, deer, rodents, and the most popular - - alligators. 

Female Anhinga

Alligators were a bit elusive the day we visited, since the weather was overcast and chilly.  Being reptiles (endotherms), the gators were mostly staying in a sunny spot to warm up, or in the water that was warmer than the air temps.

Sneaky Gator

Likewise, a few red-slider turtles were lined up enjoying a sunny spot. 

Anhinga and Slider Turtles

The views into the springs below via the glass-bottomed boat is still a thrill.  Some of the springs are not very deep, others so deep that their origin has not been determined.

Besides the fish and other marine life, several submerged ancient artifacts are visible - including the remains of a  Paleo indian canoe and a boat from the De Soto?/ Spanish expedition. 

Looking ancient, but actually placed in the springs for a James Bond movie (and used for several others) were a trio of Greek God Statutes. 

Thanks for our tour boat captain, we came away very impressed with the modern and very long history of these remarkable springs.

We also learned that on a separate, longer boat tour (not on the agenda the day we went) into the side channels by the springs those monkeys are often spotted!