After our four hectic days in Daytona we enjoyed a relaxing week at Silver Springs State Park. Up until the last day the weather was perfect for getting out and exploring the park.
There are two entrances to the state park. The main entrance (also called the historic entrance), on highway 40, is the location of the world famous glass bottom boat tours, a boardwalk trail, kayak and canoe launch and rental, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and paved trails on the beautifully landscaped grounds. The other entrance, on highway 35, leads to the campground, several hiking and biking trails, a day use area, The Silver River Museum, and a cracker village.
A trailhead next to the Silver River Museum is the starting place for the swamp trail and the river trail. We chose to explore the swamp trail first. This two mile loop trail took us through a lush tropical forest before crossing a boardwalk over the swamp. At the end of the trail is an overlook on the Silver River.
Another day we walked on the river trail to a different overlook on the Silver River. We returned by way of the river field loop which meanders along the Silver River before meeting back up with the main trail.
We chose to drive to the main entrance instead of taking the 2 1/2 mile walking and biking trail. From the Ross Allen Boardwalk Trail we could watch the kayakers paddling out to Silver River. From the paved paths beside the springs we were able to look down into the crystal clear water. We continued along the path next to the river and stopped at another overlook before following the path beside gardens blooming with azaleas.
One day we drove about 30 minutes to Juniper Springs Recreation Area for a swim and a picnic. Swimming in the 72 degree water was a great way to cool off on a warm day.
Relaxing at the campsite one day, we spied this gopher tortoise munching on the grass.
On Saturday morning, the Friends of Silver River State Park had a pancake breakfast to raise funds for their organization. After breakfast we took a tour of the cracker village, a replica of a 19th century settlement, and the Silver River Museum. The term “cracker” refers to the people who settled in Florida.
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a program of Marion County Public Schools. During the week, the museum is closed to the public while school children are attending classes. On some weekends, the museum is open to the public. The well done exhibits cover the history of the area from prehistoric days to the present.
We had planned to rent a canoe and paddle on the Silver River on our last day but we changed our plans when cold weather moved in. On our visit last year we took a glass bottom boat tour so we decided to skip it this year.
Wandering Dawgs 
Love the unique lush landscape. Glad to hear the weather was agreeable for most of your visit.
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Thanks Ingrid. At times I felt like I was hiking through the jungle. They actually filmed some of the old Tarzan movies there.
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Love this place
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So do we! We’ve returned there several times.
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I remember when Johnny Cash was there, and he only sang 3 songs, because of the storm.
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That must have been quite a show!
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The little bit we saw. The drive home I will never forget. We had to come off the I75 as we couldn’t see the road
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How nice that your weather cooperated! The whole area is beautiful. I was there when I was young. So fun!
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I never went there as a child. We first camped there in 2009 and have been there a total of 5 times. One of our favorites for sure.
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Silver Springs is an awesome place. We have been here many times while growing up. You captured it so wonderfully. We haven’t been in awhile and after seeing this post it’s now on our list. Thank you for bringing us down memory lane.
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We are only about an hour from Silver Springs. We’ve visited lots of times and always enjoy it. So much to do in the area. Great post!
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Thank you! It is a beautiful place. That’s why we keep going back!
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Beautiful photos. I love the kayak shots because I can only imagine how much fun they are having paddling in that lush natural environment. Looks like you had an amazing adventure. 🙂
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Thanks Judy! We had hoped to get out on that beautiful water one day but it just never happened. No regrets, though. We had a great week.
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Gosh, Beth, you guys are enjoying so much. Did you do a Kayak? We did one in Vietnam, won’t be doing that any time soon!
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Not on this trip. We’ve done it before. Really fun
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What a lovely state park. It sounds like you had a great time.
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Thanks! Silver Springs is one our favorite parks in Florida.
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Well be sure to check it if ever in Florida.
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Wow. Sea Hunt! I’d forgotten all about that show.
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They filmed some of the Sea Hunt episodes at Silver Springs. Our glass bottom boat captain last year told us Lloyd Bridges didn’t like diving there because of the alligators. Some Tarzan movies were also filmed there.
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