But if natural springs are your thing, head on over to the Silver Springs State Park and enjoy the water. The system of sixteen springs are a gushing body of water that is close to 500 million gallons. They form the Silver River and feed into two other larger rivers, including the St. John’s River, which is Florida's longest river at 310 miles.
To explore the water, kayaks, canoes, and motorboats are available for rent. The most popular tourist activity when visiting Silver Springs is taking a ride in the famous glass-bottomed boats that were invented in Silver Springs. The guided boat rides allow guests to travel over the crystal clear water with a view of the underwater life beneath them. While you'll mostly see fish, the springs house aquatic creatures of all kinds. You may be lucky enough to spot a tortoise or an alligator!
If you are here for awhile, then Silver Springs State Park is just the place for you. While hiking, biking, or camping in a tent or your rented motorhome, you will see some of the many critters that call Florida home. There are plenty of deer, boars, and birds of all species scattered throughout the 5,000 acres comprising the state park. Occasionally, you may catch a glimpse of an armadillo, bobcat, or bear. The best part is you will hear tons of monkeys chattering in the trees. Some say these are some that escaped from one of the six Tarzan films shot in the area.
If one state park isn't enough, after you rent a motorhome in Silver Springs, take it to Rainbow Springs State Park right nearby in Dunnellon, FL. With warm water that people swim or paddleboard in year-round and walking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Rainbow Springs might be too tempting to pass by. If you have not had your fill of springs, there is Juniper Springs, located within Ocala National Forest. These springs feed the same 315-mile long river, St. John’s, and provide you with a place to soak in a subtropical setting.
Not yet done with outdoor activities? Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World due to 30 percent of their farms being equestrian. The county is home to more horses than anywhere else in the nation. Visit a local horse farm or several, since you have an abundance to choose from, go on a guided tour or try horseback riding.
Whene you're ready to get out of the sun (after all, Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason), head on over to the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center to learn more about the natural history of Marion County.
