[eweissenbach]

Today. We were going to Fort Island Beach in Crystal River this morning, but it was overcast and cool so decided to make a side trip. What a delightful park it is, we took the boat ride and saw Manatees, and every imaginable species of bird, wolves, fox, bear, and a hippo! Lots of gators, turtles, fish, and beautiful flowering bushes. Cannot recommend this enough as a day trip of about an hour from TV. We went to the beach for awhile but it was so windy we didn't stay long.

[LndLocked]

A "hippo" ?????????? A hippo is not even remotely indigenous to Florida and the State Parks are not in the exotic species biz.

ya sure it wasn't a Manatee??

That is a GREAT state park .... just one of many wonderful, interesting and enriching things that can be found if one actually ventures outta The Bubble .... good on you for doing so!

[gomoho]

Did you really see a bear??? I dream of seeing a bear in it's natural habitat - so lucky.

[bluedog103]

The hippo was grandfathered in. Great park. I've taken plenty of spectacular pics there.

[KayakerNC]

[BritParrothead]

I love this park!!
Have decided to have a day trip up to Cedar Key and Homassassa when we are here in May. Last time we visited, i did take some really nice photos.

[Shimpy]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

Today. We were going to Fort Island Beach in Crystal River this morning, but it was overcast and cool so decided to make a side trip. What a delightful park it is, we took the boat ride and saw Manatees, and every imaginable species of bird, wolves, fox, bear, and a hippo! Lots of gators, turtles, fish, and beautiful flowering bushes. Cannot recommend this enough as a day trip of about an hour from TV. We went to the beach for awhile but it was so windy we didn't stay long.

Was this a zoo? Wolves, and Hippo's? While in that area anyone, be sure to eat at Crackers. Great seafood, on the water.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

Was this a zoo? Wolves, and Hippo's? While in that area anyone, be sure to eat at Crackers. Great seafood, on the water.

Welcome to Florida State Parks

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by BritParrothead

I love this park!!
Have decided to have a day trip up to Cedar Key and Homassassa when we are here in May. Last time we visited, i did take some really nice photos.

Cedar Key and Homassassa in one day is a long day.


.

[buggyone]

The zoo at Homasassa Springs State Park is for the native Florida animals. Go there and read how their hippo is a native Florida animal. Good story.

The park is a fee area since it is a State Park. However, if you are a disabled veteran, you are able to get a family pass free for life for all Florida state parks. Thank you, Florida.

[shcisamax]

Can you park at the the beach, take a towel to lay on the sand, and go in the water?

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

Can you park at the the beach, take a towel to lay on the sand, and go in the water?

Ft. Island Gulf Beach

[gomoho]

But what about the bear???

[shcisamax]

Sign me up.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

Can you park at the the beach, take a towel to lay on the sand, and go in the water?

You can park 6 feet from the beach, take a towel, a chair, lay on the sand, get in the water, all that! They have covered picnic tables, free parking, and dressing/restrooms.

The park at Homasassa Springs was a privately owned game preserve, purchased by the state in 1979. The Hippo was there and could not be sold, so Gov. Chiles made him an honorary Florida citizen. It is a beautiful park and animal preserve.