Additional Information for Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
The Children’s Education Center and Museum
The Children’s Education Center and Museum was opened in August 1992. The center features hands-on education exhibits and programs for children to learn more about Florida’s wildlife and the importance of protecting its natural resources. Indoor Sherman’s fox squirrel and Striped skunk exhibits allow a close up view of these small mammals.
Area Geography
The 185-acre park encompasses some of Florida’s loveliest landscape including wetlands, hydric hammock areas and spring-run streams. A 45-foot deep natural spring is the centerpiece of the park and pumps millions of gallons of water every hour. Homosassa Springs is the headwaters of the beautiful Homosassa River that flows nine miles West to the Gulf of Mexico. Saltwater and freshwater fish are attracted to this second-magnitude spring with its constant year round water temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. As many as 34 different species of fish have been identified in the spring.
Resources
Visitor Center Exhibits include:
- History of Homosassa Springs since mid 1800’s through 1990’s, featuring the park’s history as Nature’s Giant Fish Bowl, Homosassa Springs Attraction, Nature World and Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
- Manatee Education Center exhibits by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Migratory Bird Exhibits
- Diorama with working model of Mullet Train interprets history of Homosassa and the railroad that once ran alongside today’s Fish Bowl Drive.
- Life-size models of Jake, the crocodile (a former resident of the wildlife park), and a large alligator.
- Tourist Resource Center displaying information on Florida State Parks and Citrus County Tourism businesses with maps and brochures.
Pets
The park provides complimentary kennels at both the Visitor Center and West Entrance of the park for those visitors traveling with pets. They are self service and free. Pets are not permitted inside the wildlife park.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks neither endorses links nor approves of links to external sources. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks takes no responsibility a link's operation or content. The links that are shown are not an exclusive listing of organizations available within the State.
