Explore the untamed beauty of Florida at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Encounter rare and endangered species like the Florida panther, red wolf, manatee, and whooping crane, as well as familiar creatures such as black bear, bobcat, and alligators. Back in the early 1900s, Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop where travelers would enjoy picnics and refreshing dips in the spring waters while goods were loaded onto train cars filled with cedar, crabs, fish, and pure spring water. Even in 1924, visitors like Bruce Hoover from Chicago marveled at the breathtaking river and springs, dubbing it as “the most beautiful in the world.” Today, Homosassa Springs retains its natural charm, with an abundance of freshwater and saltwater fish like jacks, snapper, and snook congregating in the crystal-clear spring bowl. The unique Underwater Observatory offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the underwater world, allowing you to observe fish and manatees gracefully swimming beneath the surface. The park also houses a diverse range of captive animals, including alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity. These creatures, each with their own stories, serve as ambassadors for their species, offering visitors the chance to connect closely with wildlife and their habitats. While these animals cannot survive in the wild on their own, they thrive in the safe and nurturing environment of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.