Silver Springs
Claiming to be Florida's original attraction, Silver Springs began in 1878, and the idea is credited to an
entrepreneur called Hullum Jones. His appreciation of the natural beauty at hand led him to install a glass
viewing box at the bottom of a canoe, thus leading to the glass-bottomed boat tour. More than a hundred
years later, these fascinating tours are as popular as ever, with visitors getting stunning views of the under-
water world which boasts countless fish, turtles, crustaceans and ancient fossils at the head of the world's
largest artesian spring formation. The Lost River Voyage is another very popular tour, and this passes down
the beautiful, unspoilt Silver River, stopping off at a wildlife rescue outpost. Many also indulge in the
Jungle Cruise on Fort King Waterway, where many of the animals bounding around are non-native. Jeep
safaris through 35-acres of Florida jungle are also available. Alligator pits and other specially designed
animal habitats can be seen during this amazing, adrenaline-rush. A more recent, but equally popular
attraction is the World of Bears. You can get close up and personal with bugs, creepy-crawlies at the
Creature Feature, along with spiders, scorpions, toads and massive Madagascan cockroaches. This
obviously isn't everybody's thing, but is extremely interesting. Before you visit, check in advance for any
shows or acts which may be planned, especially from March onwards, when popular music acts arrive for its
annual weekend Concert Series. Although admission is quite expensive, you won't be disappointed.
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