Please contact us at 844-907-2772.
Fishing is not permitted at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
Please contact us at 844-907-2772.
Florida’s state parks are managed as natural systems. All plant and animal life is protected in state parks. Limited hunting with a special permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is allowed at Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, and the Marshall Swamp area of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
To fully enjoy the experience of visiting a wilderness area it is recommended that you contact the reserves in advance of your visit.
Yes, please contact 352-419-4927
. For group reservations please contact the state at 352-423-5564
Wi-Fi is available at the Visitors Center & the West Entrance.
Seating is available around the entire park.
The park hosts many species of animals, including manatees, Lu the Hippo, reptiles, alligators, flamingos, and many other furry & feathered friends. Some animals may be off habitat during your visit for care needs.
Please see the daily board at the West Entrance for programming available that day, as it is currently changing daily. Manatee programs are 11:00 am & 1:00 pm most days.
Kayaking Eco Tours coming soon! No private launches or swimming.
Ferry leaves every half hour, starting at 9:30 am, until 3:00 pm from Visitor Center, and 3:30 pm from West Entrance.
The Underwater Observatory, also known as The Fish Bowl, floats in the main spring and allows up-close views of the spring, fish, and manatees. Stairs are necessary.
Manatees can be viewed in the main spring from the Underwater Observatory, the Manatee Care Center, and from the Long River Bridge. There is no guarantee in seeing a manatee on your trip.
The ferry boat brings guests from the Visitor Center on US-19 to the park’s West Entrance located at 9225 W Fishbowl Dr. The ride lasts around 15 minutes. Guests are welcome to walk the 0.75 miles or take the tram instead. This boat tour is not included in standard park admission. Boat Tour tickets can be purchased on a first come, first serve, weather permitting basis, and tickets can be purchased at both admission locations. (Boat Ticket Sales are non-refundable)
We have two amazing snack stands located at both park entrances. Our Visitor Center Snack Stand and West Entrance Food Truck Pop-up are open daily to fill your snack needs. Check out our upcoming events for our amazing social events like Easter Breakfast with the Bunny or our Mothers Day Bruch
Lu is a Hippopotamus that is over 60 years old. To learn more, visit Lu at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
The ferry boat ride is $5.00 person (Pricing is subject to change)
There is no swimming allowed in the park. Guests must stay on the designated walking paths.
Kayaking is currently not permitted, but we are working to bring this activity to the park
Although there are resident manatees, the area in which they have access to is large, and there is no guarantee they will be where you can see them. During the winter months, the gates that access Homosassa River are opened, and depending on the temperature, many wild manatee will make their way into the head spring.
The 0.75-mile Pepper Creek Tram Trail runs from the visitor center parking area and loops through the parking areas at West Park Entrance. This trail is one of 20 birding trails in Citrus County and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
“We allow Service Animals.. We do have complementary Kennels available for use at the Visitor Center if you would like to bring your furry friend along on the drive. When you pull into the entrance and look at the visitor’s center building, to your left is the staff & tram parking. Right past that area are the shaded kennels.
Just a few reminders if you use the complementary kennels:
The majority of our park is ADA accessible; however, please note that access to the Underwater Observatory requires the use of stairs. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, a dedicated nonprofit volunteer organization that graciously provides complimentary wheelchairs and strollers for use within the Wildlife area. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who wish to support this valuable service, a donation box is located next to the storage area.
