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Going Places
Silver Springs is a Florida theme park with a history
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/100307_lefest-02.jpg) |
| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| This pair of original Hart Line steamboats once traveled Florida waterways. |
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Silver Springs, a National Landmark near Ocala, is an original Florida theme park with a history that dates back to the 1500s when the Timucuan Indians settled the area.
The 350-acre park today is a place of unparalleled beauty with 99.8 percent pure artesian wells, glass bottom boats and the actual trees where Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan once swung from during his movie-making days.
If you listen closely you might even hear the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” or view some exhibits from the television series, “Sea Hunt.”
A guide said Lloyd Bridges so feared an alligator attack that he personally hired a local teenager to do some of his underwater stunts.
You can see wild rhesus monkeys, alligators and birds in their natural habitat or view the depths of the Silver River from one of several boat rides, including the famous glass bottom ones that are named after real Indians.
Silver Springs is about two hours away via Interstate 75, just short enough to make it a day trip. Or you can stay in one of several motels near the park. Daily admission before tax is $33.99 for adults, $3 less for seniors and $24.99 for children age 3 to 10. From the parking lot you walk over a cedar swamp that is home to alligators, turtles and a few evil-looking snappers big enough to munch on their smaller counterparts.
The park itself dates back to 1878 when Hullam Jones invented the first glass bottom boat. By 1909 C. Ed Carmichael purchased 80 acres of land for less than $3,000. Over the years many improvements were made to the boats. At one point, in the 1920s, they were equipped with noisy gasoline engines.
Six of the original Tarzan moves were filmed at the park. Between 1958 and 1961 more than 100 episodes of “Sea Hunt” starring Lloyd Bridges were filmed there. One of the more interesting exhibits is that of the Silver Springs movie history.
The Lost River voyage takes you to where the Bridges episodes were filmed. The electric-powered boats slowly snake along the crystal clear waters where birds, alligators and other Florida wildlife can be seen. There is a makeshift fort, a trading post and two original steam-driven boats that once were operated by Hubbard H. Hart.
There is a lot to see at Silver Springs. If boats aren’t your cup of tea than walk the paths that take you to the Lighthouse Ride for an aerial view of the park, the petting zoo, wilderness trails and other exhibits.
The wilderness jeep ride is a bit bumpy, but worth the trip if you like in-your-face encounters with wild animals. There are several restaurants that offer everything from burgers to sub sandwiches. A place called Paradise Treats sells ice cream that can be especially refreshing on hot and humid days. Check out the animal and bird shows and giraffes and live bears.
The park hosts a wide array of entertainment. There will be a Corvette Show on Oct. 27 with a performance by Bobby Vinton. Nov. 15 to 17 will offer up the Native American Festival and on Nov. 23-24 and 30 the annual Festival of Lights. It also goes through December. Country music fans can enjoy Lorrie Morgan on Dec. 8 and Crystal Gale on Dec. 15.
The park is not far from I-75 Exit 352 and is located at 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Call 352-236-2121 or visit www.silversprings.com.
Thomas Michalski travels around the state to visit various Florida attractions. Send him an e-mail him at tmichalski@TBNweekly.com with any suggestions.
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Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007
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