Ocala Attractions

The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala houses an eclectic collection of art. Originally built to house the collection of Arthur I. Appleton, the museum expanded to include 18th and 19th century English and European painting and decorative arts, Asian jade and bronze pieces, pre-Colombian pottery and West African art. It also features several temporary exhibitions throughout the year, workshops, three conference rooms, an interactive video classroom and an art library.

The Discovery Center now occupies the "former" Tuscawilla Youth Center (Armory) building in downtown Tuscawilla Park. Discovery Center is not open for general visits at this time, but programs and workshops are available.

Champion drag racer "Big Daddy" Don Garlits founded this museum in 1976. The development of drag racing is featured through a collection of trophies, antique cars, vintage gas tanks and classic engines. Nearly 175 collectable, antique and specialty racecars are featured.

The Classic Car Museum accents to vehicles with antique service station signs and pumps. Over 70 vintage vehicles are on display.

Traces the history of Marion County, Florida, from the earliest humans to present day, including a focus on Native American and African American history and early settlers of the area.

Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center features exhibits on Florida History, Natural History, Archaeology, Palaeontology and Ecology. There's also an interpretative hiking trail and picnic area.