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Things to Do & See
Attractions, Spectator Sports, Shopping and More.

Marion County has the same land area as the entire state of Rhode Island. For people who enjoy the outdoors, there are places to go and things to do all year round. The county is famous for its huge oaks, festooned with Spanish moss and the towering sand pines of the Ocala National Forest. Flowers bloom in every season of the year, filling the landscape with color and the air with their fragrance. The subtropical climate makes Marion County a vacation land year-round. Little wonder that residents spend as much time as possible outdoors.

Water Sports
 
Opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming and other water sports abound in a region covered by hundreds of fresh-water springs, lakes and the Silver, Rainbow, Ocklawaha, and Withlacoochee Rivers. Canoeing and kayaking the Juniper Run at Juniper Springs is a fun-filled trip for the entire family, with getting back made easy since the boats and their passengers are ferried back to their cars in the parking lot at the end of their day. The pure, clean waters of springs and spring-fed lakes and rivers are a dream come true for folks enjoying snorkeling and diving.

For those who wish a leisurely and in-depth look at local waters and wildlife, Captain Tom’s Custom Charter Systems offers freshwater pontoon boat sightseeing and fishing trips with on the Ocklawaha and Silver River. Ask them about their ecology trips. Captain Tom’s offers pontoon boats with canopy tops for shade, and customizes their service to fit visitors’ interests. They offer fishing, bird watching, moonlight cruises, dinner cruises, picnics and wonderful opportunities for photographers of every level. Call them at 352-236-0872.

Fisherman will love Marion County as our area lakes such as Orange, Jumper, George, Lake Weir and the Withlacoochee River. They are unequaled for bass fishing which is just one of the more than 100 species of fish to be found in the region’s waterways.

Just outside of Ocklawaha on Lake Weir is the 560 acre Carney Island Park which offers hiking, biking, swimming, picnicking and canoeing.

Marion County’s KP Hole Park, located on the beautiful Rainbow River in Dunnellon, has been expanded and renovated and offers a sandy beach, a protected swimming area and picnic tables, as well as the rental of tubes, canoes and a public boat ramp is available. No alcohol or animals are allowed in the park and it is unlawful to possess any food or beverage in disposable containers on the river. The length of the tubing trip may take up to four and one-half hours. The Rainbow River is only 5.8 miles long, and the main springs are one and one-half mile upriver from the KP Hole. The average water temperature is 72 to 74 degrees.

Rainbow Springs State Park is located just north of the KP Hole. This enormously popular state park with 600 acres of park and another 400 acres of campground completed a successful upgrade of its amenities in early 1998. There is a small entrance fee per person to the Park which contains the headwaters of the Rainbow River. The spring offers a protected swimming and snorkeling area in the clear, cool water. Shaded walkways wind through the Park with benches located regularly along the way so visitors can stop and look at the beautiful scenery. Trees and bushes are identified to help in the public’s education. There are two waterfalls and other great photographic opportunities throughout the Park. A covered picnic area, and gift shop round out the amenities offered.

Silver Springs Nature Theme Park

Marion County's land and waters offer a wealth of recreational opportunities. Several outstanding attractions reflect millions of years of life in this section of north central Florida. The most impressive is Silver Springs, the largest artesian spring system, by water flow, in the world. Here, evidence of prehistoric animals goes back more than a million years; traces of man a mere 10,000. For more than a century the springs have been a tourist attraction - Florida's first - with early visitors arriving by stagecoach and steamboat.

Today, visitors of all ages enjoy the 350-acre nature theme park at Silver Springs and the adjacent Wild Waters water park. The park's world-famous Glass-Bottom boats offer a window on the underwater life and magnificent formations of Silver Springs. Other cruises on the park's waterways offer views of Florida wildlife, as well as more exotic environments and the wild animals that inhabit them. At every turn are exciting and educational experiences from the world's largest American crocodile to the long-necked giraffe. Visitors may see the, "Panther Prowl," and "The World of Bears." The bear exhibit is the largest exhibit of its kind in the world. Panther Prowl offers guests the opportunity to see the rare Florida Panther and its close relative, the western cougar in one natural habitat. During the yearly Concert Series nationally-known performers come to the Twin Oaks Mansion to perform. For concert schedules and park operating hours and entrance fees call (352) 236-2121.

Wild Waters Family Water Park

Next to Silver Springs is the six-acre Wild Waters family water park which has recently made several exciting additions to its twin-tunneled water slide; a giant, fan-shaped wave pool; flumes; a supervised children's water play area; a wading pool for small children; a video-game arcade; and space to just lay back in a beach chair and watch the kids at play.

Shopping Centers

Ocala is proud of the diverse and exciting shopping district located around the Historic Downtown Square. The downtown shopping area embraces the heart of Ocala and the local businesses here. Additional major shopping areas include the new Market Street at Heath Brook open air mall and the Paddock Mall.