Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Those who would like to experience real manatees up close, should venture to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The park takes in abandoned or injured manatees and nurtures them back to health, among them many manatees that were injured during boating accidents.
We recommend taking the boat from the visitor center to the park entrance to set the right mood for a park visit. The circular trail starts at the visitor center and leads past animal enclosures, where visitors can watch native wildlife, like the Florida panther, flamingoes and many other bird species.
The highlight of the park, however, is the underwater observatory on the edge of the 56-foot (17 m)-deep Homosassa Springs. The manatees can be observed in their natural habitat through the huge panoramic windows of the observatory. The animals are very trusting and come up close to the observatory windows, so that you almost feel like swimming with the manatees.
People who fall in love with these warm-blooded animals can join the park's sponsorship program.
Hours:
The park is open 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., 365 days a year. The last tickets are sold at 4:00 p.m. We recommend that you allow 3 1/2 to 4 hours to tour the park.
Wildlife Encounters Programs: An educational program instructs kids and adults of all ages on Florida’s wildlife including Florida snakes, birds of prey, gopher tortoises, turtles and opossums.
10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Manatee Programs: An educational program on the West Indian manatees and the park’s manatee rehabilitation program.
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Alligator and Hippo Program: An educational program on American alligators and the park’s Hippopotamus.
12:30 p.m.
Admission Fee:
$13.00* Adults.
$5.00* Children, 6 -12.
* Includes state and local taxes.
The Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is accepted at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The Individual Annual Entrance Pass waives the admission fee for one person. The Family Annual Entrance Pass waives the admission fee for two people. Additional guests may wish to purchase additional passes or pay the daily admission fees.
Contact:
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: 352-628-5343
Fax: 352-628-4243
Website: www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm
