Manatee Springs State Park, First magnitude spring park in Levy County, United States.
Manatee Springs is a state park with one of Florida's strongest spring systems, discharging roughly 100 million gallons of clear water daily into the Suwannee River. An 800-foot boardwalk guides visitors through the spring basin and past cypress forests that frame the water's edge.
The area was home to the Timucua people for thousands of years before botanist William Bartram documented the spring in the early 1770s during his travels. Florida later recognized the site's importance and established it as the state's first spring park in 1968.
The name reflects the manatees that seek shelter in these waters during cooler months, shaping how locals and visitors experience the place. Watching these gentle creatures from the shore has made this location special for people who care about wildlife.
The park features several walking paths through forests and along the water, with the boardwalk being the easiest access to the spring itself. For more active visitors, swimming, kayaking, and camping are available, so plan for several hours or a full day to explore comfortably.
During cooler months, hundreds of manatees gather in the spring basin because the water stays at a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This natural warm-water refuge draws the animals here reliably, making it one of the world's best places to watch them.
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