We’ve all seen the TV spots in which athletes from Super Bowl-type events say, “I’m going’ to Disneyworld!” Ever wonder where they really go?
If they really want to get away from it all, super stars – and everyone else – can make the short drive from those clustered theme parks and commercialization to Marion County, Florida. Located between Interstates 75 and 95, Marion County is only a two-hour drive from many of Florida’s major cities. The county, and its county seat Ocala, create the perfect place to relax and explore the best of Florida at a slower pace. Here visitors enjoy views of crystal springs, gentle rivers and unspoiled lakes.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Marion County offers a number of family attractions, fascinating history, captivating museums and unique shopping. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an endless array of opportunities for hiking, biking, birding and kayaking. Towns in Marion County, including Belleview, Dunnellon and Ocala, offer genuine hospitality and affordability.
The county has a population of 316,183, and covers a total area of 1,579 square miles of land and 84 square miles of water. The median income for a household in the county is $31,944; the median age is 44 years.
Marion County boasts a mix of urban, suburban and rural areas and includes the vast Ocala National Forest, Florida’s second largest national forest. The county is home to Silver Springs, one of the world’s largest artesian springs. Other springs include Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Glen and Rainbow Springs.
The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs, headwaters for the Rainbow River, are the anchor for the 1459-acre Rainbow Springs State Park. The springs produce 400 to 600 million gallons of fresh water per day, forming the river. The river itself supports a wide variety of fish, wildlife and plants, many within easy viewing by visitors. Park guests are able to see a variety of wildflowers in season; oak, longleaf pines, magnolia, dogwood, redbud, and hickory trees; gray squirrels, red-shoulder hawks, swallowtail kites, barred owls, whitetail deer, and a wide variety of wading birds.
Marion County is bordered by Putnam County to the northeast, Volusia County to the east, Lake County to the southeast, Sumter County to the south, Citrus County to the southwest, Levy County to the west and Alachua County to the northwest.
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