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Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Springs State Park is located six miles west of Chiefland, off U.S. 19/98, at the end of State Road 320. Not only will visitors find a first magnitude spring to see, but they may even catch a glimpse of a manatee or two. The boardwalk along the run to the spring also provides an up-close look at the Suwannee River. Here, the Suwannee is full, wide and teeming with wildlife, including the manatees which seek the spring’s warm waters during the winter. It’s a good idea to bring binoculars in case these shy creatures keep their distance from the boardwalk. On the day we were there, we were able to see them at a distance, popping their heads up from time to time.

There are plenty of activities available at Manatee Springs State Park besides seeing the manatees: trails for walking and biking, canoeing or kayaking, camping, interpretive programs throughout the year, and more.

Picnic Area & Playground
Manatee Springs
Fish swimming in the clear spring water
Another view of Manatee Springs and the Spring Run
Manatee Springs Run
Boat Ramp (Closed when the Manatees visit)
Flood Gauge
Boardwalk that leads to the Suwannee River
Cypress Hammock
View of the Spring Run with a glimpse the Suwannee
Bird sitting on fallen Tree
Cypress Knees
Florida's famous Suwannee River looking Upstream
Junction of The Manatee Springs Run & The Suwannee River
The Suwannee gradually becomes a wide slow moving River as it gets closer to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Suwannee disappears around the bend

Links

Official Website