Silver Springs State Park centers on Silver Springs, one of the world’s largest artesian spring systems and Florida’s first major tourist attraction, whose waters form the Silver River. The park emerged through state land purchases in 1985 and 1993 and a 2013 merger that joined Silver Springs with Silver River State Park after environmental concerns and declining profits. It remains a major recreation site with glass-bottom boats, paddling, trails, cabins, and a campground, and includes a museum and environmental center interpreting local history. Known for abundant wildlife, including non-native rhesus macaques introduced in 1938, the springs have also served for generations as a popular filming location and a focus of conservation concern.