Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
About Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
Art Yerian
Winter in Florida with its cooler days offer many reasons to come out and visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. There are lots of new things to see. 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.
The River otters are enjoying their spacious habitat that encompasses a much larger water area, a waterfall surrounded by grass banks and slides. Look up into the treetops around the alligator lagoon and you will see birds nesting. Great blue herons are among the first to build nests.
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 Florida panther, cougar, bears, bobcats, deer, alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey, and songbirds.
During the winter months with the gate open in the Long River bridge, the wild manatee now have access to the warmer waters of the first-magnitude spring. On colder days, you may see dozens of wild manatees in the spring and spring run. In the past few years, the wild manatee population has experienced cold-stress. 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 clear spring environment. The park's resident manatees are enjoying a large section of the spring run including the in-ground pool.
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 addition of the new Homosassa River Walk and Manatee Viewing Area sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. This elevated boardwalk starts at the park entrance and surrounds the main spring to the Fish Bowl underwater observatory. The viewing area is glass-fronted with bleachers and a space up front for handicapped viewing during manatee programs.
The Wildside Café, the park’s snack bar, offers inside and outdoor patio dining, as well as locations throughout the park for snacks and refreshments.
The new season brings many special events at the wildlife park. On January 26 we will be celebrating Lu, the hippo’s 52nd birthday with a big party. Be sure to look at the complete listing of our Special Events for more information on this and other upcoming events.
A visit to the park 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 Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and all our Florida State Parks.
Our dedicated employees and friendly volunteers are waiting to welcome you!
DESIGNATIONS
GETTING HERE
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.
GET INVOLVED
- For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
- Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
CONCESSIONAIRES
-
Cape Leisure Corporation -
Facility rentals and event planning.
Contact Dan LeBlanc, (321) 799-4020
P.O. Box 486
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
PET POLICY
- Florida State Parks Pet Policy
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.
