On this site I have written about all the wonderful theme parks based in Orlando but if your preferred Florida travel is more in line of a ‘nature’ related vacation, then you should discover Silver Springs in Florida which is known today as Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. Located east of Ocala Florida, Silver Springs is a nature lover’s paradise and has one of the largest artesian springs in the world producing almost 550 million gallons of crystal clear water daily. (photo courtesy: demalia27.com)

Silver Springs has been attracting visitors from all over the world since the mid 19th century because of its natural beauty. Tours of the springs in glass bottom boats go back as far as the late 1870s. Surrounding the springs are many animals that live in this nature environment and you can explore the beauty of Florida in its natural state. Through the years, the theme park has added numerous rides and attractions for children and adults alike. So on your next Florida travel vacation, do visit Silver Springs and here are a few of the things you can explore.

River Cruises

One single spring is home to many species of fish as well as alligators, clams, crawfish, shrimp, snails and you can view all of these and more from a glass bottom boat. Here you can experience underwater life in the 99.8% pure waters of Silver River. The glass bottom boats, with U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, will take you on a tour of the seven major spring formations. ‘Fort King River Cruise’ will take you on a tour of Silver Spring’s 10,000 year history. You can also experience various exhibits and displays including a working archaeological dig site, a Seminole Indian village, the Fort King Army stockade of the 1830s, and a riverboat dock and train depot from the late 1880s. In addition to this, you can go on a ‘Lost River Voyage’ which will transport you back in time to wild Florida as it was thousands of years ago. The river banks are lined with towering cypress trees which history tells us are more than 500 years old.

Wildlife Exhibits

Have you ever seen a ‘White Alligator’ with pink eyes? If not, you will see two of them here and these are very rare reptiles that are also known as ‘swamp ghosts.’ According to some legend, if you look into the pink eyes of the white alligator you will be blessed with good luck for that year and prosperity will follow. While I don’t know if this is true, seeing one of these creatures is fascinating. You can also visit the ‘Big Gator Lagoon’ with over three dozen of Florida’s largest alligators most of them about 13 feet long. And don’t forget the ‘Ross Allen Island’ exhibit which features native snakes, turtles, spiders and information about Ross Allen who was a world famous naturalist. He owned and operated the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at Silver Springs for almost fifty years. (photo courtesy: flickr.com)

While there you can also visit the ‘Panther Prowl’ exhibit and see the western cougar considered to be a close cousin of the rare and endangered Florida panther or visit ‘World of Bears’ and see a variety of rare and endangered bear species. If you like farm animals like rabbits, donkeys, sheep, goats and turkeys, visit ‘Kritter Korral’ and you will be able to pet and hand feed them.

Rides and Activities

The ‘Lighthouse Ride’ is a unique one that is a combination of a carousel and a gondola. It has an outer tower that slowly rises 80 feet above Silver Springs where you can view the crystal clear river, native Florida wildlife and all landscaped grounds. The ‘Kids Ahoy Playland’ is made to look like a replica of a 1800s riverboat that is permanently anchored in a shallow lagoon. There is also a 40 passenger carousel which is decorated with endangered wildlife, a Ferris wheel, cargo climb with net bridge, miniature motorboats, slides, crawl tubes, fireman’s poles and much more.

A must see is the ‘Wings of the Springs’ show featuring all kinds of birds. Here you will see parrots of the tropical rainforest, really comical ducks and chickens, hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures. Get ready for a surprise ending! The ‘Reptiles of the World Show’ gives an exciting presentation on alligators, crocodiles, and turtles. Very educational show! If you like snakes, the ‘Non-Venomous Snake Show’ is for you. You will also get the opportunity to view, touch and learn a lot about the different species of snakes in the world. (photo courtesy: floridaanimallaw.com)

Botanical Gardens

There are beautiful botanical gardens at Silver Springs. Here you will see more than 140 varieties of native and exotic plants and some are showcased in floral sculptures and beds along the banks of the Silver River. This area has become a popular place for weddings and special events with its winding pathway that allows guests to view its gorgeous landscapes. (photo courtesy: goflorida.com)

There are also plenty of places to shop and eat at Silver Springs. So walk around the area and find your favorite spot when you are ready to relax and dine. Remember that Florida travel is still an affordable vacation for you and your family. You can find information on getting discounted theme park tickets here. Enjoy your next trip to beautiful Florida.