Homossasa Springs State Park‘s approximately 50-acre site started as a popular train stop attraction in the 1940s, where people could enjoy a spot to cool off. Since then, it has become an intriguing preserve full of awesome local wildlife like alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and even the oldest hippo in captivity named Lu (he’s 62 years old!). MORE INFO
The park’s featured ‘Wildlife Walk’ brings guests on an exciting and elevated journey woven through the preserve’s many animal exhibits. All the animal inhabitants are in the reserve for the same reason: they cannot survive in the wild on their own.
In the Underwater Observatory, visitors can gaze down into the depths of the spring to catch a glimpse of the diverse fish and adorable manatees in their natural habitat. MORE INFO
If you didn’t get enough wildlife views during your park journey, you’re sure to get your fill on the Homosassa Boat Tour which departs from the Visitor Center Boat Dock and makes its way through Pepper Creek towards the West Entrance of the Park. Once you arrive at the West Entrance Dock, the entrance to the Wildlife Walk is just right across the street! The boat ride is only $3.00, but you can also walk or take a tram on Pepper Creek Trail for free.
Distance from Orlando – 1 Hours 16 Minutes