Silver Springs in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida’s Springs: Our Precious Resource
Silver Springs State Park
Geologists estimate that there are over 600 springs in Florida producing more than 8 billion gallons of water a day. Thirty-three are First Magnitude springs, each with flow of over 65 million gallons per day. This is the largest concentration of freshwater springs on earth!
The reason for the abundance of springs is a terrain called Karst. It is formed by rainwater entering the ground and dissolving the limestone bedrock, forming sinkholes, caverns, and springs. The underground river in the porous limestone is called the Florida Aquifer, the source of 90% of the state's drinking water. Springs are "windows" on the aquifer. What we see flowing out of the springs is what is in the aquifer. Think of springs as not the beginning but the "end of the pipe," after the water has completed its journey through the ground and under towns, farms, businesses and lawns.
Silver Springs Facts
Probably the largest First Magnitude Spring in the United States and one of the world's largest, with a daily flow that has averaged over 500 million gallons per day.
Consists of 30 springs with 61 vents (openings for water flow). The largest, Mammoth or Main Spring that you can see here at the park, has a vent measuring 5 feet by 135 feet at a depth of 30 feet.
Water temperature is 72 degrees year-round.
The water is about 20 years old, which means its journey started as rainfall 20 years ago.
Forms the Silver River, flowing 4½ miles to the Ocklawaha River.
Has attracted people here for over 12,000 years.
Was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1972.
Has a recharge area, where the water originates, of over 750 square miles.
Please help preserve this precious resource. Whether you are a Florida resident or visitor, protecting Florida's springs is everyone's responsibility.
(caption) Spring Vent, where water emerges from underground
Erected by Silver Springs State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 29° 12.994′ N, 82° 3.165′ W. Marker is in Silver Springs, Florida, in Marion County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Silver Springs Boulevard (Florida Route 40) and NE 57th Avenue, on the right when traveling east. This marker is located within Silver Springs State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs FL 34488, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. From Disaster to Award-Winning Design (within shouting distance of this marker); The Creature (within shouting distance of this marker); Silver Springs Paradise Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Sea Hunt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Osceola (about 300 feet away); Silver Springs’ People (about 400 feet away); Postcards from the Past (about 500 feet away); Florida’s Roadside Attractions (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Springs.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.