The town of Homosassa Florida is just over an hour north of our winter location in New Port Richey (NPR). I had heard of this gulf coastal town from another RVer that we met at a couple of different places over the years. I wanted to check out the area plus visit the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, a state park wildlife preserve.
Town Info
This area has many natural spring fed streams. Kayaking is a very popular activity. We do plan to return and rent some kayaks, but today we drove around the town exploring some interests. The population is 2,500 and its history begins with a sugar plantation from the 1850’s that was steam powered.
This is Monkey Island. Someone set a few monkeys loose on the tiny island many years ago. They are still here as they do not swim. I could not see them. Look close 
They even have a monkey bar to have a drink while looking through binoculars. A gimmick? 
The old sugar mill 
Wildlife State Park
We found this park to be very well done. The main focus is on the manatees that visit the crystal-clear waters from the linked waterways. In addition to manatees, the park is known for birding with 20 birding trails.
The thing I liked is the natural settings for all the wildlife. A very natural habitat for all their creatures. You follow a walkway through the park to see everything from hippos to bald eagles. The large birds are all rescues that can no longer fly due to an injury.
The gators were none to lively. In fact, I was wondering if they were plastic replicas they were so still. I wait awhile for signs of life but gave up and moved on. He might have perked up if a small animal ran by.
The big cats and wolves were on the move in their enclosures. And then there was the hippo. This big guy was born in 1960 at the San Diego Zoo. It was a trained performer in TV and movies, then came to Florida to retire in 1989. He weighed a mere 90 pounds at birth and now exceeds 6,000 pounds. They usually live about 45 years, but this guy is now 63.
The manatees may be viewed from the walkway, but can also be seen from the underwater viewing station. It is a 157-ton observatory comprised of steel, concrete and 2-inch glass panels. They provide a unique view into the 55-foot deep natural spring with many varieties of fresh and sea water fish. And of course, many manatees.
Very nice walkways through the park 
Hippo at rest 
Supposedly a real gator, but he stayed very still 
The big cat is on the prowl 
Wolf 
Another look at the old hippo
Birds
Manatees
This is the underwater observation station. Stairs down are behind the green part
Wrap Up
Our winter is now more than half over and we need to plot our trip back to Virginia, booking a few RV parks on the way. While in this location we attend the local Riverside Baptist Church in NPR. Some great services and people. Thanks for following along and God Bless.
Sunset at Orchid Lake RV
Looks like a great visit Add that to the list of places to check out when we finally get around to spending some time in your neck of the woods.
Thanks for sharing!
Robert
There are interesting places all around it seems!
Looks like a place to add to my list and go to soon! I would not want to be the person tapping the Alligator on the nose to see if it was real. 🙂
Speaking of tapping an alligator on the nose, we actually saw a guy do this a couple of days ago in the Everglades. I’ll provide that update in a few days. He was a professional as I wouldn’t not advise doing this at home!