OCALA/MARION COUNTY

 The TIMUCUAN indians were the first inhabitants of Marion County, which they called OCALI. Hernando de Soto, thought to be the first European to visit, claimed the land for Spain in 1539. It became part of the United States when the entire state of Florida was ceded in 1819. By 1844, settlers began to occupy and develop the area. The county was named for General Francis Marion, a leader in the Southern effort during the Revolutionary War.

Marion is the fifth largest county in square miles in Florida. The Atlantic Ocean is a 90 minute drive to the east through the beautiful oak and pine forests of the Ocala National Forest. To the west it’s a 45 minute drive to the Gulf of Mexico through world-renowned thoroughbred horse country. The University of Florida in Gainesville, is just 30 minutes to the north, and Orlando "Disney World", is 90 minutes to the south.

Florida is home to more than 600 Thoroughbred breeding and training facilities, with over 75 percent of these located near Ocala . In fact, Ocala/Marion County is one of only four major Thoroughbred centers in the world. It is not hard to see why Marion County can boast it is the " Horse Capital of the World". Few other equine locations in the world can lay claim to offer a potent soil and water combination that likely can not be topped anywhere in the world, along with graceful rolling hills and giant oaks of the greater Marion County area. We have the largest horse population of any single county in the United States, incorporating more than 40 different breeds. World champions spanning the smallest of miniature horses to the largest of work horses, capturing competitive titles from barrel racing to draft pulls to show-jumping .

Ocala, the county seat , is the largest city in Marion County and the hub of local economic and cultural activity. Service and light manufacturing industries provide the majority of employment opportunities along with Tourism.

Belleview, is located 11 miles south of Ocala on U.S. Hwy 441. During the Seminole Indian War, Chief Osceola camped here several times. In 1885 a group of developers applied for a city charter. Today, Belleview is a small but growing commercial hub.

 Dunnellon is located in the south west corner of Marion County on Hwy 41 near the Citrus County border. Dunnellon sits between the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers. The area offers a small town atmosphere and excellent fishing, hunting, and other recreational opportunities.

Marion County offers a full range of recreational activities including camping, hunting, boating, swimming, tennis, golfing and horseback riding. Fishing is excellent in the more than 200 area lakes, streams and rivers.

There are many great things to see and enjoy here in Marion County. Silver Springs Attraction is a 350 acres nature theme park. Florida’s original tourist attraction, the largest artesian spring formations in the world. The world-famous Glass Bottom Boats; river cruises; "Twin Oaks Mansion" outdoor concert hall; concert series featuring nationally acclaimed performers; just to name a few wonderful things to see here.

Wild Waters is adjacent to Silver Springs. A 450,000 gallon wave pool, eight water slides and flumes. Two children’s play areas, volleyball court, specialty shops and restaurant.

Rainbow Springs State Park is located near Dunnellon, on Hwy 41, it has 910 acres of varied habitats and historic sites.

Silver River Museum exhibits Florida History, Natural History, Archeology, Paleontology and Ecology. They also offer Nature walk and a picnic area.

These are just a few of the attractions available here in Marion County . Many more state and county parks are available. Of course we must not forget the Ocala National Forest which has many recreational facilities as well.