Backyard Adventure

Weekend A at the Springs

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN MILLER

RECENTLY, MY HUSBAND, TROY, AND I DECIDED TO TAKE A WEEKEND TRIP TO OCALA WITH OUR FRIENDS JANE AND DOUG to visit two of Florida’s most beautiful springs: Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. Located in the heart of “Old Florida,” these springs are rich in history and chronicle the world of tourism back in mid-century Florida.

Many relics of Rainbow Springs State Park’s past as a kitschy tourist attraction remain, including man-made waterfalls, an elaborate entrance walk, dining terrace, and the remains of the aviary and animal cages from the 1960s. Th e attraction operated until the mid-1970s, when it was forced to close because of a steady decline in business. In 1990, the property was acquired by the State of Florida to be managed as a state park.

Rainbow Springs, located in Dunnellon, is the headwaters of the Rainbow River, and a great place to swim, snorkel, and kayak. Th e water is clear and cold at 72 degrees, and very invigorating! Troy and I did some snorkeling, while Jane and Doug walked the trails leading to the various waterfalls located in the park. Underwater in the springs, we were able to see turtles, fish, and forests of aquatic grass that provide food and habitat for he many creatures that live there. Th e park also has a campground with full amenities, and it is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Our next stop was Ocala’s Silver Springs State Park, boasting one of America’s largest springs, a venue famous for its glass-bottom boats. Boat rides are only $12 per person, and they are operated by knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides.

The main spring is surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures reminiscent of the days when Silver Springs was a major destination for Northerners arriving by steamship. Th e park is still a favorite Florida tourist attraction and home of Springsfest, an annual event celebrating the protection of all Florida springs and waterways.

From our boat, we were able to see alligators and birds, including a rookery of anhingas, up-close and personal, in addition to fish and turtles swimming beneath our boat. Silver Springs does not allow swimming, and you probably wouldn’t want to swim with the alligators anyway, but they have some nice trails throughout the park, which we enjoyed after our boat ride.

Silver Springs also has a campground and cabins, and because it is so popular, it’s best to make reservations well in advance. In addition, there are beautiful gardens, picnic areas, and covered benches.

Just down the road from Silver Springs is the Appleton Museum of Art, which we visited on a rainy afternoon that weekend. Th e Appleton is home to over 18,000 pieces, along with exhibitions and programs for visitors of all ages. It is definitely a must-see while you’re in the area.

Ocala is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Fernandina Beach, and close to many other points of interest, including the Florida National Scenic Trail, Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic Site, and the Yearling Trail. Th ere are plenty of “Old Florida” style motels, along with numerous short term rentals for your weekend adventure.

For more information about Rainbow Springs, visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springsstate-park, and for information about Silver Springs, visit fl oridastateparks.org/silversprings. To see what’s going on in Ocala (and there’s a lot!), visit ocalamarion.com.