HISTORY AND NATURE MANATEE SPRINGS

For many thousands of years, Manatee Springs STATE PARK MANATEE SPRINGS
STATE PARK
and the surrounding area have provided a home 11650 N.W. 115th Street
site and livelihood for humans. Artifacts found in
the spring and adjacent areas indicate that people Chiefland, FL 32626
have been living and raising their families here for 352-493-6072
at least 9,000 years. The arrival of Spaniards during A first magnitude spring
the 1500s brought an end to a series of cultures that and haven for wintering manatees
lived in harmony with the earth for many millennia. PARK GUIDELINES
In 1774, William Bartram, a naturalist, botanist and • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
artist, traveled through the area while exploring the
• An entrance fee is required.
Southeast. Later, he wrote a book about his travels,
• All plants, animals and park property are
in which he described Manatee Springs in detail and
protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance
noted the presence of manatees.
is prohibited.
Between 35 and 150 million gallons of crystal-clear • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
water flow from this first magnitude spring every must be kept on a handheld leash no longer
day. The water percolates through lime rock to than six feet and be well-behaved at all times.
underground caves that feed the spring. This aquatic
• Fishing, boating, swimming and campfires are
cave system is one of the longest in North America
allowed in designated areas only. A Florida
and harbors rare species of crayfish.
fishing license may be required.
The spring water flows through the quarter-mile • Fireworks and hunting are prohibited.
long spring run to join the tannin-stained waters
• Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in
of the Suwannee River flowing toward the Gulf of
designated areas only.
Mexico. This brings fresh water to Suwannee Sound,
• To become a volunteer, please inquire at the
an estuary about twenty-five miles down river.
ranger station.
Water and fire are the two greatest influences • For camping information, contact
shaping the ecology of this park. Water-loving ReserveAmerica at 800-326-3521 or visit
trees grow in the swamps and bottomland ReserveAmerica.com.
forests surrounding the spring and bordering the
• Florida state parks are committed to providing
Suwannee River and spring run. Upland areas
all visitors equal access to all facilities and
of the park host drier habitats such as sandhill
programs. If you need assistance to enable your
communities and upland pine forests. Here, fire is a
participation, please contact the Ranger Station
naturally occurring event that these habitats depend
at 352-493-6072.
upon for their survival. To assist in restoring and
maintaining these natural communities, the park
conducts prescribed burns.
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EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park is home to one of
Florida’s largest freshwater springs. A popular
Directions
NWNW
130th
130th Ave.
AVE

summer recreation site, Manatee Springs is an

important winter refuge for West Indian manatees. Located at the end of State Road
From November through April, these gentle giants 320, off U.S. 19/98, six miles west
are regular visitors to the spring and a favorite of Chiefland.
attraction for park visitors.
The north end trail system has 8.5 miles of trails for
walking or bicycling. N
The spring is ideal for swimming and scuba diving,

Clay Landing Road (110th Avenue)

especially during the warm weather months. The W E
spring run and Suwannee River are well suited for
canoeing or kayaking. Rental canoes are available S
at the park concession, which is open year-round.

110th AVE
e River
CHIKI HUT
Chickee Hut
Boat ramps are located just outside the park.

I V E R
Anglers find the Suwannee River a fine place for
Inset

SuwanRne
reeling in bass, a variety of sunfish species and Office RESIDENCE
catfish. A Florida freshwater fishing license may OFFICE

W A N N E E
Ranger SHED
INSET
Station
ENTRANCE
be required. STATION
NW 115 CT

Manatee
The park’s 80 campsites are equipped with picnic Spring
tables, grills, water and electricity. Two group
S U
INSET VOLUNTEER
Boardwalk SITES
campgrounds are available for tent camping. (Some PLAYGROUNDS
RESIDENCE
GROUP CAMPS
restrictions and fees apply, contact the park for CONCESSION & RESTROOMS

information.) Pavilions located in the picnic area

CANOE/KAYAK
LAUNCH
STORAGE &
may be reserved for group gatherings. Dock
DOCK
PICNIC
PAVILION
SHOP AREA

Boardwalk
Seasonal interpretive programs and activities are CAMPFIRE
CIRCLE
Amphitheater
offered on a variety of topics.
BATH
HOUSE

BOAT RAMP CAMP

SITES
PET Sink Trail
SINK TRAIL
WALK Loop
LOOP

PICNIC
Legend PAVILION NW 102 PL
FDOT
Camp Azalea Road
Park Boundary Ramp
Road
Camping Sites INSET

Hiking Trail Bicycling Canoeing Pavilion Showers

VOLUNTEER
Hiking/Biking Trail Boat Ramp SITES Concessions Picnicking Snorkeling
RESIDENCE
PLAYGROUNDS GROUP CAMPS
Walkways & RESTROOMS
Camping CONCESSION
CANOE/KAYAK Fishing Playground Swimming
LAUNCH
County Road PICNIC
STORAGE &

Group Camp
SHOP AREA
DOCK
Hiking
PAVILION Restrooms Wildlife Viewing
Park Road Paved CAMPFIRE
CIRCLE
Canoe Launch Parking Scuba Diving
Park Road Stabilized
BATH
HOUSE
Park Road Unstabilized
CAMP
00258 Rev_01.19
SITES
Structures PET
WALK
SINK TRAIL
LOOP