Silver Springs - Florida's Natural theme park

Here at Orlando Theme Parks News, we usually talk about what's new in our major parks, like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, etc... but sometimes we may forget about some minor (but not less interesting) theme parks near our area, like SILVER SPRINGS.

The park is located in the very north area of Central Florida (where it can get quite cold during the winter), called Ocala (get all the directions here), and has a natural theme park with a water park adjacent to it, called "Wild Waters park".

The Natural park is home to the world-famous glass-bottom boats, that make you see through glass panels all the fish and animals that populate the crystalline waters of the park (that lake, by the way, pumps every single day 550 million gallons of water - enough to supply the city of New York!) :

Here you are the park map, that gives you a general view of the park (which is big):

Click on the map to view it.

And here's the water park map, for your convenience:

Click on the map to view it.

Now, here you are some of the attractions offered in the park:

River Cruises

 

Glass Bottom Boats offer passengers an unparalleled view of underwater life in the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. The 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.

Wildlife Exhibits

 

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. 

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 & 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. 

So, as you can plainly see, this park does offer a lot of things to do, but unfortunately its location is very far from all the Orlando Theme Parks. Has anyone here ever seen Silver Springs? If you did, would you like to share your experience with us?