What is "silver springs"

Silver Springs is a group of artesian springs that feed into the Silver River in Marion County, Florida. It is the largest artesian spring in the world and Florida's oldest tourist attraction. In 1971 it was designated as a National Natural Landmark. Related amenities developed include glass-bottom boat tours on the river and an amusement park. Long privately owned and operated, the springs area and all associated elements were taken over by the state and made part of Silver Springs State Park in October 2013.

Developed in the late 19th century, the park became a tourist destination for Northerners following the Civil War. Over the years, it changed hands and various operators introduced boat rides and built related attractions, of varying scientific and entertainment quality. It was first used as a location for a Hollywood film in 1916, but became popular with the series of Tarzan films in the 1930s and into the 1950s. The first thorough scientific studies of the Springs were conducted beginning in 1993, and wildlife rehabilitation was started. That year the state bought the underlying land, but private operators continued to conduct the concessions.

Environmental issues such as nitrate runoff, related to development in the region, have affected the health of the park and tourist revenues were declining. On January 23, 2013 the Florida Cabinet announced that the state would take over the facility after the end of the 2013 summer season; the park operators would pay a $4 million buyout of their lease. The state plans to clean up the area and make it part of the adjacent Silver River State Park.

"Silver Springs" is a song written by Stevie Nicks and performed by Fleetwood Mac. It was originally intended for the band's 1977 album Rumours, but became a B-side to the song " Go Your Own Way", and a live version was eventually released as a single from the 1997 album The Dance.