CURRENTLY OPEN FRI-SUN ONLY
SILVER SPRINGS
Florida’s Natural Wonder
A 350 acre nature theme park surrounds the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River, the largest artesian spring formation in the world. Located 90 miles north of Orlando, just east of Ocala, Florida.
No matter what your age, there are plenty of rides and attractions at Silver Springs that will make you laugh, fill you with wonder, and provide a glimpse into what life was like here more than 10,000 years ago. Just as they did then, the springs pump out 550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day—enough to supply the entire city of New York.Surrounding the springs is a marvelous diversity of animals and nature you simply won’t find anywhere else. Come and explore the stunning beauty of Florida in its natural state.
Glass-Bottom Boats
River Cruises
Glass Bottom Boats offer passengers an unparalleled view of underwater life in the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. Our boats, with U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, will take you on an enchanting tour of the seven major spring formations at the headwaters.
One spring, Fish Reception Hall, is home to dozens of species of fish as well as alligators, clams, crawfish, shrimp, snails and six different kinds of turtles, all amidst the backdrop of tiny fossilized shells from 70 million years ago.
Peer through the glass and crystal clear water for views that only a scuba diver could have. You’ll be comfortably seated, and covered from the sun and weather.
Fort King River Cruise carries you through Silver Springs’ 10,000 year history. Interactive exhibits and displays include a working archaeological dig site, Seminole Indian village, the 1830s Fort King Army stockade, a late 1880s riverboat dock and train depot, and an authentic Florida pioneer “Cracker” homestead.
Lost River Voyage transports guests back in time to wild Florida as it was thousands of years ago—untouched and untamed. Riverbanks are lined with towering bald cypress trees, some more than 500 years old. See alligators, turtles, heron, osprey, and other wildlife basking and feeding in their natural habitat.
The ride includes a stop at a wildlife outpost, where naturalists talk about Silver Springs’ wildlife rehabilitation and breeding programs.
Florida's Natural Wildlife Exibits
Wildlife Exhibits
New! Look into the Eyes of a Mysterious White Alligator! See not one, but two of the rarest reptiles in the world. Known as the "Swamp Ghost", these eerie and fascinating creatures are natural phenomenons that have to be seen to be believed!
Void of color pigment and protected from the sun, these natural marvels are ready to show you how wild nature can be. Legend has it, that those who gaze into the pink eyes of the white alligator will be blessed with good luck for the coming year and prosperity will surely follow. Beyond the myth and mystery that surround these creatures, is the fascination of seeing one first hand!
Big Gator Lagoon is a one-acre cypress swamp habitat featuring more than three dozen of Florida’s largest alligators, most 11 to 13 feet in length! Guests observe these large reptiles from the safety of an elevated boardwalk.
Be on the lookout for Sobek, believed to be the world’s largest American crocodile in the care of man. He’s 16 feet long and weighs 2,000 pounds. His name, Sobek, refers to an ancient Egyptian god that had the head of a crocodile and the body of a man.
Ross Allen Island features a collection of native snakes, turtles, arachnids (spiders), otters and other animals found in Florida. The exhibit also showcases archive photographs and information on the world famous naturalist Ross Allen. For nearly fifty years, Ross Allen owned and operated the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at Silver Springs which contained an extensive collection of snakes, crocodilians, and animals from around the world.
Panther Prowl is an extraordinary opportunity to photograph the Western cougar, a close cousin of the rare and endangered Florida panther—North America’s largest and most majestic wild cat.
Kritter Korral features a variety of farm animals like sheep, rabbits, donkeys, turkeys, and goats that park guests can pet and hand feed. They’re popular with the younger set and love the attention they get!
World of Bears is the largest bear exhibit of its kind in the world. Two acres of outdoor habitats showcase a variety of rare and endangered bear species including North American black bears, and Kodiaks (the only brown bears on exhibit in Florida).
Rides and Activities
The Lighthouse Ride stands near the headwaters of the Silver River and features the combination of a carousel and gondola ride with a unique telescoping outer tower that quietly rises 80 feet above Silver Springs. Up to six passengers ride in each gondola for an unobstructed, panoramic view of the crystal clear river, landscaped grounds, and native Florida wildlife.
Kids Ahoy! Playland features a replica of an 1800s riverboat permanently anchored in a shallow lagoon. Other activities include a 40-passenger carousel decorated with endangered wildlife, miniature motorboats, Ferris wheel, cargo climb with net bridge, slides, crawl tubes, fireman’s poles, and more.
"Wings of the Springs” is presented at the outdoor Silver River Showcase Theater. This is a dramatic free flight show featuring a diverse collection of birds. We showcase parrots of the tropical rainforest, comical ducks and chickens, and the magnificent raptors (including hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures). This show is sure to broaden the horizons with our newly added out of the ordinary surprise ending.
“Reptiles of the World Show” features reptile handlers that give an exciting and educational presentation on alligators, crocodiles, turtles and dispell some of the myths about these fascinating cold-blooded animals.
“Non-Venomous Snake Show” offers guests the opportunity to view, touch and learn about the many different species of snakes in the world, and the important role they play in controlling rodents and other pests.
Alligator and crocodile feedings are presented daily at 2:30 p.m. (during warm summer months). Reptile keepers conduct the feedings that provide guests with the chance to witness the feeding habits of various species while learning more about these ancient creatures.
Wilderness Trail – Climb on board trams towed by Wrangler Jeeps for a ride into a forest for close up encounters with native Florida wildlife.
Botanical Gardens
Silver Springs’ beautiful botanical gardens feature more than 138 varieties of native and exotic plants showcased in floral sculptures and flower beds along the banks of the Silver River. A popular location for weddings, the gardens have a winding pathway that allows park guests to view all aspects of the landscape. It’s a pleasure to take a leisurely stroll amid the ever-changing colors, and a photographer’s paradise.
Shopping and Dinning
Silver Springs' open-air Springside Mall offers a wide variety of shops with merchandise ranging from hats, souvenirs and T-shirts, to gifts from the sea.
When you're ready to eat, Silver Springs has a selection of dining choices, from quick sandwiches and ice cream cones to cafeteria-style settings. Open daily are the Springs Pizzeria, Springside Cafe, Deli, Ice Cream & Fudge Shop. Billy Bowlegs Bar & Grill is open during special events, and there are many snack bars and food carts throughout the park.