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Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park |
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
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Manager's Message
Cooler and drier weather, fall wildflowers and migrating birds on their way
South, combine to make fall and early winter a perfect time to visit Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park and view the park’s resident Florida wildlife. Start
your visit with a leisurely boat ride on Pepper Creek or a tram ride along the
Pepper Creek Trail and leave your everyday worries behind you as you set out to
explore the real Florida.
The birds are in breeding plumage, and after a sleepy cooler season, the animals
are enjoying and exploring their habitats. Our elevated boardwalk system
provides a great view of the wildlife including cougars, bears, bobcats, otters,
deer, alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey and
songbirds.
The park's resident manatees make the first magnitude spring their home along
with fresh and salt water fish that are free to come and go. The Fish Bowl, a
floating underwater observatory offers an unequalled, below-the-surface view of
manatees and fish in the crystal clear spring environment. Three manatee
programs, two Wildlife Encounters and an Alligator program are presented
throughout the day allowing an opportunity to learn more about the Florida's
wildlife.
A Reptile House and the Children's Education Center provide close-up viewing
native snakes and other reptiles and a chance for children to learn through
hands-on activities.
There are many special events planned for the fall and winter from monthly bird
walks and fall gardening workshops to arts and crafts shows, Haunted Tram Rides
and the Celebration of Lights. Be sure to look at the complete list of Special
Events by clicking on Special Events on the right of this page.
Homosassa Springs is one of the a very few places where you can see endangered
West Indian manatees, Whooping Cranes and Key Deer up close. This is a day
you'll long remember, the ideal family outing. Our dedicated staff of employees
and volunteers is waiting to welcome you!
- Art Yerian, Park Manager
Welcome to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park's
underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida
wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American
alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered
three times daily. At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native
animals are featured. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature
study, and bird-watching. The park features a children's education center,
providing hands-on experiences about Florida's environment. Transportation from
the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is available by tram or boat.
The park has two gift shops and a café with a selection of beverages and snacks.
The park is open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The ticket counters close at 4:00
p.m. Located in Homosassa Springs on U.S. 19.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, please call
352-628-5343.
Hours of Operation
Open every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. 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 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.
PET POLICY Pets are NOT permitted in the wildlife park with the exception of
service animals. Self Service outside kennels are provided free of charge at the
Visitor Center and at the West Entrance.
Dogs are permitted in parking areas and along Pepper Creek Trail on a six foot
hand held leash. SMOKING POLICY: For the health and welfare of all of our
animals, particularly the endangered species, and our Park visitors, effective
May 23, 2006, smoking will no longer be allowed within Homosassa Springs
Wildlife State Park. For those visitors desiring to smoke or use tobacco, an
area has been provided outside the West Entrance of the park. Please feel free
to ask a Park Ranger for the reasons behind this policy. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Driving Directions
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located in Homosassa Springs, 75 miles
north of Tampa on U.S. 19 and 90 miles northwest of Orlando.
Park Fees
Admission Fees - Adults (age 13 and over) $9.00 per person. Children (ages 3
through 12) $5.00 per person. There is no charge for children ages 2 years and
under.
Group Fees - Adult group rate is $6.00 per person. Children's group rate is
$3.30 per person.
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more with advanced reservation.
Two weeks notification is preferred. To make a reservation, call (352) 628-5343,
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Season Pass - The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Season Pass is $22.50
per individual. This pass allows one year of unlimited admission to the park,
from date of purchase. The pass is non-transferable. Season passes can be
purchased at the ticket counter.
Room/Area Rentals -
The Florida Room - $150.00/half day; $200.00/full day
Garden of Springs - $100.00/full day
Visitor Center/Event Field - $150.00 to $750.00/day
For reservations and more information on room and area rental, call (352)
628-5343, Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: 352-628-5343
Fax: 352-628-4243
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