Three Sisters Springs, Natural spring complex in Crystal River, Florida

Three Sisters Springs is a 57-acre site in Crystal River, Florida, with 45 acres of uplands and 12 acres of wetlands, including three second-magnitude springs with sand boils and vents. The springs sit within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on the east side of Kings Bay. A boardwalk overlooks the water, and concrete posts block boats from entering.

The land around the springs was privately owned until 2010, when local, state and federal partners bought the 57-acre site for $10.5 million after a 2008 condominium proposal. It then became part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and co-owned by the District and the City of Crystal River. A boardwalk and trolley followed, shoreline stabilization was carried out in 2016 and 2023, and a new visitor center opened in 2023.

Three Sisters Springs is the only confined-water body in the United States where the public can see wintering manatees, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Manatee season runs November 15 to March 31, when the surrounding waters are closed to vessels and swimmers may enter only from the water, with periodic closures depending on manatee behavior.

You can reach the area through a visitor center that provides access to paved walkways and viewing areas throughout the property. It helps to arrive early in the day for better viewing conditions and fewer crowds.

Three Sisters Springs is the only confined-water body in the United States where the public can see wintering manatees, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A study in the refuge found that when Gulf water dropped below 10 °C, manatee numbers at Three Sisters and Idiot's Delight Spring rose sharply.