Manager's Message

Fall is in the air, it’s a great time to visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park with the family. There are lots of new things to see, including four new animal residents. Three Red wolves are enjoying their new habitat, and a Florida panther, named Don Juan, has settled into his new home at the wildlife park. All of these animals are endangered species. Homosassa Springs is one of a very few places where you can see endangered West Indian manatees, Whooping cranes, Red wolves, and a Florida panther up close.

Start your visit with a leisurely pontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife park. Along the way you may see ospreys nesting, limpkins, herons or egrets wading in the creek, wood ducks swimming along; not to mention turtles sunning on logs, fish and, maybe even an otter. Every day a different experience waits.

And that’s just the beginning. Our elevated boardwalk system provides a great view of the wildlife, including a cougar, 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, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Florida's wildlife.

A Reptile House and the Children's Education Center provide close-up viewing of native snakes and other reptiles and a chance for children to learn through hands-on activities.

We are grateful for two new facilities at the park. The recently completed Felburn Wildlife Care Center is a state of the art facility with a great many improvements that will make caring for our animal family easier. A picnic pavilion has been added at the Visitor Center so visitors can comfortably enjoy a picnic lunch.

The Wildside Café, our snack bar, is now operated by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and has made many improvements, including the addition of an outdoor patio dining area.

The new season brings many special events at the wildlife park. Be sure to look at the complete listing of our Special Events.

This is a day you'll long remember, the ideal family outing. Leave your everyday worries behind you as you set out to explore the Real Florida at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and all our Florida State Parks.

Our dedicated employees and friendly volunteers are 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 instructs kids and adults of all ages 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. A Self Service outside kennel is provided free of charge at the Visitor Center.

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 Ellie Schiller 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

Ellie Schiller 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 Fee:

$13.00* Adults.

$5.00* Children, 6 -12.

* Includes state and local taxes.

The Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is accepted at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The Individual Annual Entrance Pass waives the admission fee for one person. The Family Annual Entrance Pass waives the admission fee for two people. Additional guests may wish to purchase additional passes or pay the daily admission fees.

Group Fees:

$9.20 Adults in group (ages 13 and over).

$3.50 Children in group, 6 -12.
Children under the age of 6 years old are admitted free.

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.

Room/Area Rentals:

$200 per day: The Florida Room.

$100 per full day: Garden of Springs.

$150 to $750.00 per day: Visitor Center/Event Field.

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

Citizen Support Organization

Friends of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, Inc.
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard 
Homosassa, 34446

Visitor Service Provider

Evelyn Astore, Concession Manager/Gift Shop
Art Yerian, Park Manager
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, FL 34446
(352)628-5343
Fax# (352)628-4243