Homossassa Springs Wildlife State Park

By William E. Males

If you’re visiting Florida, or even live here and limiting your weekend getaways to a full tank of gas, Homossassa Springs Wildlife State Park is definitely worth the visit. With fall in the air it’s a great time to visit. With cooling gulf waters, the manatees head back into the spring fed rivers where the temperature stays constant year round. The scenery is absolutely stunning; the park is naturally situated in a beautiful location at the Homossassa spring head and right where Hall’s river connects.

You can start your visit at the main entrance where they have a large lobby full of displays and information. From there take a leisurely pontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife park. Along the river there are many opportunities to see whooping cranes, ospreys nesting, limpkins, herons or egrets wading in the creek. Here on the river and in the park are wood ducks swimming along, turtles sunning on logs and fish and more fish.

Inside the Wildlife Park there are lots of new things to see, including four new animal residents. You’ll be able to see the three Red wolves, a Florida panther that was affectionately named Don Juan since he has been genetically link to fathering over 300 offspring. The whole experience is enhanced by the park’s beautifully laid out trial that leads throughout the park and over a foot bridge across the river. In the wildlife area the elevated boardwalk provides a great self-guided tour and view of a cougar, bears, bobcats, otters, deer, alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, birds of prey, and songbirds.

The Wildlife Park is home to many animals which are endangered species. What is great is the underwater observatory where you can get face to face with the endangered West Indian manatees. Plus, there are literally thousands of saltwater fish of several species that stay right in the spring head. There are Sheephead, Snook, Snapper, Yellowtail Jack, and Lady Fish that gather together in the springhead. The Park also features a Reptile House providing close-up viewing of native snakes and other reptiles.

With the snack bar, The Wildside Café and the addition of an outdoor patio dining area the park has all the provisions for a complete day of fun. From start to finish, a day at Homossassa Springs Wildlife Park is certain to be a day the entire family will long remember. Don’t forget your camera!