Just Visiting: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Traveling is something that I happen to enjoy a lot. So when my job recently informed me that I had a vacation slotted into the calendar I was both surprised and uncertain. I didn't know if there was anything I would be able to do while on vacation. But my parents had yet to leave for their winter home in Florida, and they made a fair argument that I should just go to Florida with them. So what ensued is a short vacation. We drove down along the east coast of the United States, stopping on occasion at various places. But I am getting off track.

One of the places that we visited is a place we visited when I was a kid. And I was happy to get to stop in and see it again.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd 
Homosassa, FL 34446

This is a park that hasn't really changed a lot, at least as far as my memory recalls it. It has a variety of different habitat areas prepared for the various animals that call the park home. Many of them were injured, or deemed unable to be released for a variety of reasons. But the park also does rehabilitation.

One animal that you are able to see in the park, that many people may consider to be stereotypical of the state are Flamingos.  Some may not be as vibrant pink as their plastic mimics found in the neighbors front garden. But they do have a lovely blush to them (most of them) making them a treat to see. Winter leaves a number of the animals in the Buffalo area to be more grey and dreary in appearance.

But probably the most interesting animal that we saw while we were there was the hippopotamus. They were planning to celebrate his 60th birthday last Friday. I honestly feel a bit surprised that he is that old. But I suppose that a Hippo is different in appearance to a human and it would be harder for us to tell what their age is without some sort of education.

The park itself is manageable in a days span, without rushing or pushing through. It is mostly handicap accessible, with a few exceptions. There is an underwater viewing area that only has access via a stairwell. This makes it difficult for those in a wheelchair to access, but it should not influence your trip in a negative manner on the most part.A visit to this state park is great for the whole family as it is both educational as well as interesting.

All in all it was a pleasant visit. I may update this with more about the visit later on. But right now my mind is a bit fuzzy, and tired. The weather change has been doing a number on my mind.