Silver Springs State Park is the largest artesian spring in Florida. This attraction was privately owned and operated until it was taken over by the state and made part of Silver Springs State Park in 2013.
Silver Springs
The park became a tourist destination for Northerners following the Civil War. Over the years, it changed numerous hands and various operators introduced boat rides and built numerous related attractions. In the 1800’s glass bottom boats were introduced to showcase how clear the water was and to view the abundant fish and turtles. In the 1930’s someone started a “Jungle Cruise” and introduced rhesus monkeys on one of the islands. They didn’t know the monkeys could swim, they escaped and formed ferel troops along the river. It was a popular location for Hollywood to film movies including the Tarzan films in the 1930s and into the 1950s with Johnny Weissmuller. The Creature from the Black Lagoon and parts of the TV series Sea Hunt were filmed here. ABC owned it in the 1960′-1980’s.
Environmental issues such as nitrate runoff (from fertilizer and septic overflow) have affected the health of the park. Tourist revenues were declining so Florida State took over the facility in 2013.
The park still offers glass bottom boat rides and kayak/canoe rentals. We rented a canoe for a leisurely two hour paddle on the slowly moving water. We saw numerous fish, turtles, egrets, herons, ibis and alligators. While cleaning the RV today, Sandy found storage under the steps. Very exciting when every inch counts.
Our campsite was huge and private. They provide 50 amp service and water. There was no internet. Some of the pull through sites had sewer. It would be nice to return and stay longer to explore more of the unique entertainment history of the park.
