Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
May 1, 2013 by Alison Markham
Filed under Featured
Homosassa is a Native American Creek word meaning “place of many pepper plants”. Before the white man came, this area was home to the Creek and Seminole Indians. Recent digs have uncovered all sorts of native artifacts including canoes. At that time this area was a low lying vast swamp spotted with small islands and many natural springs of crystal clear pure fresh water. Millions of
gallons of fresh water per hour pour out of these springs which creates the beautiful contributory creeks and rivers.
The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park began with one mans first impressions. In 1924 Mr. Bruce Hoover, of Chicago visited by railroad the head spring of the Homosassa River and said “this is the most beautiful river and springs in the world”. Afterwards he had a wooden bridge and two higher observatory decks built spanning the springs head, then dubbed the term still used today, he declared this place a true “wonder of the world” and a natural “fish bowl“. Nearby there was a small 
building that rented bathing suits to the people visiting on the train and people of brave heart would swim in the lagoon
with the fish. At that time period there are no references to the manatees at all.
Today the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has become far more than just a two hundred and ten acre wildlife preserve operated by the state of Florida with the help of an average of three hundred and fifty volunteers. It has been given the highest award for quality of care twice and has grown into one of the finest wildlife
rehabilitation centers in the nation. 
The Felburn wildlife care center, a cutting edge state-of-the-art care facility which was created with funds donated by the Felburn foundation and matched by the state was just recently opened. Already in full operation at the wildlife park is the manatee rehabilitation area for the care of injured and sick manatees. The manatee abuse hot line toll free number is 1-800-342-5367 or call the local marine patrol. More Later.
Can we bring bikes to the park and go biking? I am very interesting in photographing the Pink Flamingo’s. Is it difficult to get close to them?
What is the admission and parking costs at this park? What are the hours of operation? Thank You Vince
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.
how much is admission to the park for kids and adults, do you have any special things going on in March?
Is there a tram for handicap and senior? where are you located? what is name of motel at entrance to park?
Is there a tram for handicapped senior? Admission price for seniors. what is name of hotel at the entrance to park?
For Park information visit: http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/
or call: (352) 628-5343
I visited the Park in April, 2014 and enjoyed it immensely. I’ve searched all the websites I can find regarding careers at the Park; but have not come up with any information. Can you please direct me to where I might be able to search for jobs within the Park? I would consider it an honor to be able to work there. Thank you so much for your time and your response.
Help…would love to work there…applications available? We have been there and it was an awesome experience. Moved here in Homosassa on December as the area met our desires. Husband retired…and I would love some structure…Lol! 352-765-4512
Havent been in a few years , but would be interested in donating a veiled chameleon . There a non invasive reptile of Florida and ive been wanting to educate the county with them . Resident of suger mill and four years of experience with breeding chameleons..
What better way to educate the county with donating one for your reptile exhibit
love this place a lot of animals in one place. just big enough to enjoy without wandering how much longer is this . all animals are visible and not afraid of people watching them. viewing is close up not like some parks where you need binoculars to view them.
I would work there in a heart beat if a job was available
I would be consider it a pleasure and it would be soooooo awesome and I’m going to be soon to be a veterinarian assistant and then a technician
Val strong
I want to see this place and work there as an employee not volunteer
any applications available??
I am looking for a venue for a small group of ladies ( 27) to have a dinner celebration. Is the room with the tables and chairs above the entrance to the boat ride available? Please give me all the information you have available.
Thank you,
Sandy Mihalus
Did any of you collect the silver tokens when you visited the park? They are about the size of a quarter and cost around $1.