Plan your visit
Facts checked October 3, 2026. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs is a wildlife viewing day park. You can watch manatees from the Fish Bowl underwater observatory and explore paved walks and boardwalks. You cannot camp, swim or fish inside the park; the official park brochure explicitly excludes swimming and fishing.
- Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The ticket counters close at 4:45 p.m.; the Wildlife Walk closes at 5 p.m.
- Admission: $13 for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages 6–12; free for children 5 and under. For example, two adults and two children ages 6–12 pay $36 before any extras.
- Boat status: Florida State Parks says the Pepper Creek shuttle boats have been unavailable since February 4, 2026 because of low water. Do not plan your visit around a boat ride without checking the current park notice. When operating, the boat tour has a separate charge.
- Manatee programs: The park lists talks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. beside the main spring. Check the day’s program on arrival.
- Food: Do not count on the Wildside Café; the park’s hours and fees page lists it as closed until further notice. Food service information differs across official park pages, so call ahead or bring a picnic.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the wildlife park. Free self-service kennels are at the US 19 main entrance; service animals are welcome in visitor areas.
- Main entrance: 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446. Park phone: 352-423-5600.
Check the official hours and admission and the park’s current alerts before traveling.
What you can see
Start at the Fish Bowl underwater observatory, where you look into the spring rather than enter the water. Fish and manatees may be visible through its windows. Above water, the Wildlife Walk passes animal ambassadors that cannot survive in the wild, including Florida panthers, black bears, a red wolf, alligators and birds. The park’s wildlife program page explains their conservation role and lists the manatee program times.
Choose your walking route
The US 19 visitor center is the main entrance. From there, the paved Pepper Creek Trail connects to the west entrance in 0.75 mile each way. Inside the wildlife area, the paved paths and elevated boardwalks total about 1.1 miles. These are walking and wildlife viewing routes, not swimming access. If you need a shorter transfer from the visitor center, ask park staff about current tram service when you arrive. See the official trail description and the park’s map.
Accessibility and pets
The Wildlife Walk has elevated boardwalks accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The park also lists accessible parking, restrooms and paved trails; manual wheelchairs are available. Check with the park about any route or equipment you need on your visit date. Official accessibility details.
Florida State Parks says pets cannot enter this park because of its captive wildlife. The free kennels at the main entrance are self-service. Service animals may accompany visitors in public areas. Read the official pet policy before bringing an animal.
Before you go
This is a day-use wildlife park with no campground, RV sites, swimming area or fishing access inside the park. You can picnic here, but confirm food availability before setting out. For an overnight trip, choose lodging or a campground elsewhere in the Homosassa area rather than using this park’s address as a campsite.
Lu, the park’s longtime hippopotamus, died in June 2025. His story remains part of the park’s history, but he is no longer an animal you can see on the Wildlife Walk.
Location and official sources
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, FL 34446 352-423-5600
Use the official park page for current alerts, directions and the park map. We checked its linked fees and hours, programs, trails and pet policy on October 3, 2026. Services and schedules may change.
Explore more Florida state parks
Looking for a spring where you can swim or a park where you can camp? Use our Park Finder and confirm your chosen activity on that park’s official page. Nearby options to compare include Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Fort Cooper State Park.
🌤 Weather at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49–88 °F | 69–91 °F | 52–89 °F | 43–72 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Inverness 3 SE, 16 mi away, elevation 58 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
