Discovering Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park: A Guide to Manatees and More
- Chrissa Karnes
- Mar 16
- 4 min read
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is one of the best places in Florida to experience the beauty of nature and observe manatees up close. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting this incredible park, including tips on when to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.
What Makes Homosassa Springs Special?
Homosassa Springs is not just any Florida spring; it's a unique wildlife park dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of animals. The park is famous for its Underwater “Fish Bowl” Observatory, a viewing area that allows visitors to see fish and manatees beneath the water’s surface. However, due to hurricane damage, this observatory was closed during our latest visit—so be sure to check ahead before planning your trip!
Besides the manatees, Homosassa Springs is home to various rescued animals, including alligators, panthers, bears, and the park’s most famous resident, Lu the Hippo—the world’s oldest hippo in captivity at 65 years old!
How to Get to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Entrance Fees & Transportation Options
Upon arrival at the Visitor Center, you can purchase entry tickets:
$13 for adults
$5 for children (ages 6-10)
Free for children 5 and under
This ticket grants access to the entire park, including a tram ride along Pepper Creek Trail (0.75 miles) to the Wildlife Park entrance.
For an additional fee, you can opt for a boat tour along Pepper Creek:
$3 for adults
$2 per child
The boat ride offers a scenic alternative to the tram, allowing visitors to experience the park from a different perspective.
The History of Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs has been a tourist attraction since the early 1900s. Originally, it was a stop for train passengers who would explore the springs while their train was loaded with cargo. Over time, the park also became a site where animal actors were trained for movies and TV. Today, it is operated by the state of Florida as a sanctuary for animals that cannot survive in the wild.
Can You See Manatees at Homosassa Springs?
Absolutely! During the winter months (December to February), manatees flock to Florida’s springs seeking warmer waters. The springs remain a constant 72 degrees year-round, providing a perfect haven for manatees who cannot tolerate temperatures below 68 degrees for long.
Even though the Underwater Observatory was closed during our visit, we were still able to see large groups of manatees from the park’s walkways.
What Else Can You See at Homosassa Springs?
Springs Loop & Manatee Rehabilitation Center
The Springs Loop Trail is an easy, scenic walk that circles the main spring and crosses over the Homosassa River. This is one of the best spots to view manatees in the wild.
The Manatee Care Center is another highlight, where injured manatees are rehabilitated before being released back into their natural habitat.
Wildlife Walk: Meet the Residents of Homosassa Springs
Homosassa Springs is home to a diverse range of rescued animals. Some of the highlights along the Wildlife Walk include:
Lu the Hippo: Born in 1960, Lu is one of the park’s most beloved residents.
Florida Panthers (Yuma & Sakata): These panthers were orphaned as kittens and now live in the sanctuary since they never learned to hunt.
Maximus the Black Bear: Found abandoned in the wild in 2019, Maximus was rescued and now resides in the park.
Red Wolves (Jester & Rose): Part of a conservation program to protect endangered species.
Alligators & Florida’s Native Reptiles: Including rattlesnakes and a cottonmouth.
White-Tailed Deer, Bald Eagles, Foxes, and More: A variety of native wildlife can be seen along the trail.
FAQs About Visiting Homosassa Springs
When Is the Best Time to See Manatees at Homosassa Springs?
The best time to visit is during the winter months (December – February) when manatees migrate to the springs. For the best chance of seeing them, visit after a cold front, when the air temperature drops below 60 degrees.
Is the Underwater Fish Bowl Observatory Open?
As of January 2025, the Underwater Observatory remains closed due to hurricane damage. There was no update on the website at the time of our visit, so we recommend calling ahead before making the trip.
Are There Any Educational Programs at the Park?
Yes! Homosassa Springs offers manatee educational chats a few times a day. Check the posted schedules at the park entrance for times.
What Should I Bring When Visiting the Park?
Comfortable walking shoes (trails are easy but involve a lot of walking)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A camera or phone for photos
Final Thoughts: Is Homosassa Springs Worth Visiting?
If you’re a nature lover, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a must-visit destination in Florida. Whether you come for the manatees, the rescued wildlife, or the beautiful trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you plan on visiting, be sure to check ahead for any closures, especially regarding the Underwater Observatory.
Want to explore more incredible Florida springs? Check out our Florida Springs Blogs for more amazing places to visit!
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more Florida travel tips and wildlife adventures!
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