Combining Adventure and History at Silver Springs
Start your day of adventure at Silver Springs by joining a beautiful morning tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking. An eco-friendly, clear kayak guided tour, where you paddle through stunning colored waters, taking in the beautiful surroundings and learning about the history, local wildlife and ecosystem. Afterward, take a break and enjoy a delicious bite to eat inside the Silver Springs State Park where you can enjoy your lunch overlooking the beautiful headspring. After lunch, head next door and spend the afternoon exploring the fascinating Silver River Museum, where you can learn more about the area’s rich past. It’s the perfect way to combine adventure and history, all while creating unforgettable memories.
Paddling at Silver Springs
Paddling at Silver Springs with Get Up and Go Kayaking is a journey through time and nature. As you glide over the crystal-clear waters in a clear kayak, your tour guide brings the area to life with stories about the rich history of the Silver River, the early days of Silver Springs State Park, and the incredible ecosystem that makes this place so unique. From native wildlife like turtles, gators, and birds to wild monkeys and manatees. Every moment on the water is an opportunity to learn and connect with Florida’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to start your day before visiting the Silver River Museum and state park.
A Journey Through Florida’s History
The Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center is a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone curious about Florida’s rich past. While Silver Springs is famous for its crystal-clear waters, and amazing wildlife, this museum offers a deeper dive into the area’s culture and archaeological heritage and a perfect addition to a day spent at Silver Springs.
Florida’s prehistoric past comes to life through displays of fossilized bones from mastodons, giant sloths, and saber-tooths, that are remnants of the Ice Age creatures that once roamed this land. The museum also showcases the region’s unique geology, including the formation of Silver Springs and the Florida aquifer, which help explain why the waters here remain so clear and vibrant.
The museum provides a fascinating look at thousands of years of Florida history, from prehistoric times to the present. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring fossils, Native American artifacts, pioneer-era tools, and Civil War history. One of the highlights is the dugout canoe and well-preserved artifacts that offer a glimpse into the transportation methods of Florida’s earliest inhabitants.
The Cracker Village: A Step Back in Time
Adjacent to the museum is the Cracker Village, a replica of a 19th-century pioneer settlement. Visitors can step back in time and explore log cabins, a blacksmith shop, a church, and farm buildings, all offering insight into the rugged, self-sufficient lifestyle of Florida’s early settlers. During special events, interpreters bring history to life by demonstrating traditional crafts and pioneer skills.
Educational Programs and Public Access
While the museum primarily serves as an educational facility for Marion County students, it is open to the public on weekends. Special events, such as historical reenactments and guided tours, provide even more opportunities to experience Florida’s past in a hands-on way .Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, interested in pioneer life, or simply looking to enrich your visit to the area, the Silver River Museum is well worth a stop. It’s a place where history, nature, education come together, offering a unique and enriching experience in the heart of Ocala, Florida.
Come join us for a day of adventure! Book your tour now!