These days it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, but how many of us can pick out the park that started it all? If you guessed Disney World, you’d be off by over 100 years. The answer is Silver Springs, an attraction that continues to see guests today. Silver Springs began its life as a tourist attraction in the 1860s. The park soon gained national attention as travel guides advertised it as a must-see attraction. As the park’s popularity grew, a glass-bottom boat was added causing the park’s popularity to soar. It wasn’t long before Hollywood discovered the natural beauty of the park and began using it as a location for some of cinema’s classic movies. What attracted Hollywood to the springs continues to attract visitors today. Their waters provide not only a refreshing escape from Florida’s summer heat, but also a…
