Marion County, FL Mobile Homes for Sale

Marion County: Florida's Horse Capital & Springs Heartland

Discover Marion County, famously known as the "Horse Capital of the World," nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant pastures of North-Central Florida. This captivating region offers a unique blend of world-class equestrian culture, stunning natural beauty defined by crystal-clear freshwater springs, and the vast wilderness of the Ocala National Forest.

From the timeless allure of glass-bottom boats gliding over Silver Springs to the modern grandeur of the World Equestrian Center, Marion County presents a diverse range of experiences. Explore scenic backroads winding through picturesque horse farms, paddle down pristine rivers, hike through ancient forests, or enjoy the charm of historic downtown Ocala. It's a place where natural wonders meet equestrian excellence, offering an authentic taste of Florida's heartland.

Points of Interest in Marion County:

1. Silver Springs State Park (Silver Springs): An iconic Florida destination and one of the state's first tourist attractions. Famous for its historic glass-bottom boat tours over the massive artesian spring, kayaking on the clear Silver River, the Silver River Museum, and a replica 19th-century pioneer "Cracker" village.
2. Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon): Features the stunningly clear headsprings of the Rainbow River, with beautiful man-made waterfalls dating back to the site's time as a private attraction. Offers gardens, walking trails, swimming in the headsprings basin, and nearby tubing/paddling on the Rainbow River.
3. World Equestrian Center (Ocala): The largest equestrian complex in the United States. This state-of-the-art facility hosts year-round horse shows and events across numerous disciplines (many free for spectators), alongside luxury accommodations, diverse dining options, and boutique shopping.
4. Ocala National Forest: The southernmost national forest in the continental U.S., covering a vast area. Offers numerous recreational opportunities including access to beautiful springs like Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, and Silver Glen Springs for swimming and snorkeling, plus extensive trails for hiking, camping, boating, and off-highway vehicle riding.
5. Historic Downtown Ocala: The heart of the county seat, featuring a charming town square with a gazebo, historic architecture, brick-paved streets, unique local shops, diverse restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues like the Marion Theatre.
6. Appleton Museum of Art (Ocala): Located on the College of Central Florida campus, this impressive museum houses a diverse permanent collection featuring European, American, Asian, African, Islamic, and contemporary art and artifacts, alongside notable traveling exhibitions.
7. Cross Florida Greenway: A 110-mile linear state park stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, following the path of the never-completed Cross Florida Barge Canal. Offers miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through various natural landscapes.
8. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala): A must-visit for racing fans, showcasing the history of drag racing with an extensive collection of historic race cars, memorabilia, and exhibits dedicated to "Big Daddy" Don Garlits and other legends of the sport.
9. Gypsy Gold Horse Farm (Ocala): The foundation farm for the Gypsy Vanner horse breed in the United States. Offers informative farm tours (reservations often required) where visitors can meet the horses and learn about the breed's history and the Romani culture.
10. Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center (Ocala): Located within Silver Springs State Park, this center focuses on the natural and cultural history of Marion County and North Florida, featuring exhibits, educational programs, and the adjacent pioneer settlement replica.

Whether you're drawn by the elegance of horses, the allure of pristine springs, or the call of the wild outdoors, Marion County provides a rich and varied experience deep in the heart of Florida.