This spring was the original playground of Central Florida! The place to visit long before today's theme parks. Tourists started coming to visit Silver Springs after the Civil War. First by steamboat down Silver River, then by trains on railroads, and then by cars. The glass-bottom boat tours originated here in the 1870s. One cannot experience Silver Springs without going on this iconic tour! Here at Silver Springs you will experience "the real Florida," with all its natural beauty. But you will also learn about this springs important history and contributions to film.
We got there not too long after the park opened. There is the main park entrance, and then at the farthest end of the parking lot is where the kayak and paddle-board rental/drop in place is. To enter the park there is a entrance fee, but if you have a Florida State Park Pass, the pass covers the cost.
Being one of the first people there it was so quiet. A magical moment to enjoy nature's serenity. Before our boat tour, we walked the grounds. There is a pamphlet with a map you can pick up at the check-in point. First, we trekked Ross Allen Island. This takes you over the river that feeds to the drop in place for the kayaks and paddle-boards. You will come to a stunning lookout where you will want to stop for a bit. Take in the sight of lush vegetation, and water that is so clear it is like mirrored glass.
On the other side of the park is more walking trails along the water. There is a gorgeous mural painting of a turtle and magnolias, my favorite flower!
There is a commemorative statue of Chief Osceola. After reading the unsettling terms of a document to relocate the Seminoles and other tribes, he stabbed it with his knife as refusal. This act is depicted by the statue. He encouraged them to fight for their land. This led to the Second Seminole War.
If you want to experience the iconic glass bottom boat tour, you can purchase a ticket at the entrance. Tickets are $13 for adults. There is a slight discount for those over 50. The boats continuously leave every 30 minutes from 10 am until 4 pm. They ask that you arrive in line about 15 minutes prior to your tour. There is an extended boat tour that lasts an hour and a half, but we saw plenty on the 30-minute boat tour.
You are not able to swim in this spring because it is a nature preserve. So this glass-bottom boat tour is the only way to see what is truly beneath the surface.
Originally the glass bottom boat was a wooden canoe with a cutout and glass pane stuck in. Now they are a bit fancier.
You can still see what the first ones looked like, as one is just below you!
The spring is no stranger to Hollywood. Films like Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan were filmed here. A very popular show called Sea Hunt made Silver Springs home base. The dock they used is still there.
I am a huge James Bond fan, so I was excited to see these three guys. Meet Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. All made cameos in Thunderball and Moonraker.
I have been wanting to visit this spring, and it was more spectacular than I thought! This is a place that should definitely be on your Florida bucket list. The Florida that is so much more than theme parks.
Check the springs off your adventure bucket list using the Florida Springs Passport!
Your fun interactive booklet, where you can see what spring adventures you've completed and which ones to look forward to!
Visit floridaspringspassport.com to get yours!
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