The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center (Center) is a program of the Marion County Public School system (MCPS). The Center is located within the Silver River State Park and works in close cooperation with the Florida Park Service.

While school is in session, on weekdays, the Center serves the school system and the grounds are closed to the public. On weekends, the museum is staffed by park service personnel and volunteers, and is open to the public. Additionally, throughout the year, the Center hosts various educational events and visitors have access to the research library with prior notice.

No admission fee is charged to students enrolled in Marion County public schools when they attend a scheduled class field trip. Weekend and summer visitors are charged an admission fee to the museum. Charges also apply to private and home school groups, and out-of-county classes for class trips to the Center.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a unique and effective educational program. The Center serves as a model for other public school systems and exemplifies the strong commitment to education in Marion County. It is an exciting blend of Florida's natural and cultural history, and hands-on education.

The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center provides unique hands-on learning opportunities for Marion County Public Schools students, staff, and the general public. Visitors learn about the cultural and natural history of Marion County, and the importance of protecting and conserving cultural and natural resources. Our primary mission is to educate Marion County Public School students about Florida history and ecology, and assist them in achieving the highest scholastic standards possible. Furthermore, we strive to promote good stewardship of our environment with the hope of providing a better tomorrow.

The Center began in 1987 when a Christa McAullife Fellowship was awarded to research the development of a museum and environmental education center within the public school system.

The idea was met with strong support from the community. Local citizens, businesses, civic groups, the Marion County School Board, the Florida Legislature, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and other state agencies all helped to fund the Center. In 1991, the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center opened its doors to the students of Marion County.

The initial complex consisted of the museum and classroom buildings. Recent additions include a second wing to the museum, lunch pavilion, research library, late 1800’s Pioneer “Cracker” Settlement, and a circa 1930 one-room schoolhouse used by African-American students during segregation.