The state park surrounds the headspring of the Homosassa River, where 70 million gallons of 22 °C water rise every day. The property doubles as a wildlife rehabilitation centre — manatees that cannot be returned to the wild, Florida panthers, red wolves, key deer and a small population of resident black bears live in enclosures along the boardwalks.
The underwater observatory is the highlight: a steel-and-glass chamber sunk into the spring where you stand at eye level with the manatees and the cloud of native fish. There are scheduled feedings, a daily manatee programme, and pontoon-boat rides from the visitor centre to the main park. Allow half a day; arrive early on winter weekends.