Birding

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is an excellent site for birdwatching. The Pepper Creek Birding Trail runs from the Visitor Center parking area along the tram road and loops through the parking areas at Fish Bowl Drive and returns via a boat ride along Pepper Creek. This trail is one of 20 birding trails in Citrus County that are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. A Gateway and Information kiosk for the trails is located in the Visitor Center.

Boat Tours

Included in your admission, weather permitting, is a boat tour that transports you from the Visitor Center to the West Entrance to the Wildlife Park along Pepper Creek. Rangers give an introduction to the park and the Florida Park Service. Wildlife is identified along the way.

Concessions

The Wildside Café is located at the park's West Entrance offering indoor and outdoor dining areas. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To reach the Manatee Café, call 352-621-0317.

The Park has two Gift Shops for visitor shopping. The State of Elegance is in the park's Visitor Center and offers unique gifts, clothing, books, etc. on a Florida nature theme. The Nest of Treasures is located at the West Entrance and offers a variety of gifts and clothing for younger park visitors. The hours of operation are daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. To reach the Gift shops, call (352) 628-1202.

The Men's restroom located at the West Entrance is ADA accessible.

Nature Trails

A 1.10 mile trail winds throughout the Wildlife Park including paved trails and elevated boardwalk systems. Benches and rain shelters are conveniently located along the trail. Bleachers are located at the Manatee Program area and Wildlife Encounters. The park offers many opportunities to photograph the Real Florida and its wildlife. Commercial photographers should check-in at the park office.

Picnicking

A picnic area is located in the Garden of the Springs.

Visitor Center

Our Visitor Center and main entrance is located on U.S. Highway 19 and includes several interpretive opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Exhibits include U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Manatee Education Center and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Migratory Bird exhibit. A display on the history of Homosassa runs along the length of inside wall of the Visitor Center. A diorama shows what the town of Homosassa looked like in the early 1900's and includes a working replica of the Mullet train with a recorded message on the Mullet train. A life-size crocodile and alligator made from molds greet visitors to the center.

The restrooms in the Visitor Center and the Children's Education Center are ADA accessible. There are also ADA accessible restrooms located next to the Wildlife Encounters Pavillion.