Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a popular destination located in Homosassa, Florida.
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Summary
The park is known for its abundant wildlife and offers visitors a chance to observe native animals up close in their natural habitats. Some of the animals found at the park include alligators, manatees, bald eagles, and river otters.
One of the main attractions at the park is the underwater observatory, where visitors can view manatees and fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Homosassa River. Another popular attraction is the Wildlife Encounter program, which allows visitors to interact with some of the park's resident animals and learn about their behaviors and habitats.
The park also offers several hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitors center with exhibits and educational programs.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was originally a private attraction, known as the Homosassa Springs Attraction, before it was purchased by the state of Florida in 1989. The park is also home to Lu the hippopotamus, who first came to the park in 1964 and has since become a beloved resident and mascot of the park.
The best time of year to visit the park is during the cooler months of November through April, as temperatures can be quite hot and humid during the summer months. Overall, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a must-visit destination in Florida for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Aquatic Preserve St. Martins Marsh
Crystal River State Buffer Preserve
Homosassa Wildlife Management Area
Crystal River Archaeological State Park