Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park is seven miles south of Crystal River on US 19/98. The Park includes Homosassa Springs and the upper part of the Homosassa River. The highlight of the Park in the underwater observatory where visitors can view manatees and a wide variety of fish. This Park also serves as a research facility and manatee are always present.
The main entrance to the Park is on US 19/98. There is a visitors center and a large parking area. You reach the actual Park by tram or a 20 minute scenic boat ride. We found the boat ride crowded, uncomfortable and not very scenic. The tram was even less exciting. There is a second parking lot right next to the actual park entrance off of Fishbowl Drive. Parking here allows you direct access to the park and avoids the boat and tram rides. This parking lot is small and not recommended for big RV's.
This wildlife park is an outstanding zoo featuring animals native to Florida. The only exception is a hippopotamus that was at the Park when it was acquired by the State from private owners in 1989. Homosassa Springs has a boardwalk that meanders through the wildlife viewing areas. There is also a gift shop and snack bar. This is a wildlife park so there is no camping, fishing or swimming.
There is an observation deck and underwater viewing area at the Homosassa Springhead. The manatees are fed here daily and can be easily seen. There is also a wide variety of fish, some quite large. There is no better place in Florida to see manatee any day of the year.
We visited this Park in May 2005 and February 2006 and camped nearby at Encore RV Park - Crystal River
