Manatee Springs - Manatee Springs State Park

We had the great opportunity to re-visit one of our favorite swimming holes, Manatee Springs, in Chiefland Florida. This was a little bigger excursion than most as each of the children were allowed to bring one friend but it made for a more enjoyable trip and we will certainly be doing it again.

The drive from St. Petersburg, took around two and a half hours from 275 to the Suncoast Parkway and then up US 98 to Chiefland. On the way back we decided to skip the tolls of the parkway and stay on US 98 to 75 and found that although the drive was a bit further it took almost exactly the same amount of time due to the increased speed limit on 75.

When arriving you'll be greeted by a friendly stafff member who will take your toll for the day and be glad to answer any questions that you may have. Along with your pass for the day you will receive information on your opportunities at the park, as well as, information on other locations in the state park system.

As your driving toward the springs be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit and keep your eyes on the woods. We were fortunate to see at least two or three deer on each of our trips in and out of the park. We made a couple as there was a thunderstorm in the early afternoon that we decided to ride out in Chiefland.

Manatee Springs is one of 33 Florida springs which is classified as a first magnitude springs, which means that it discharges at least 65 million gallons per day. Manatee springs is just average in that group averaging between 50 and 150 million gallons per day. It's average depth is 25 feet and the age of it's water is between one day and 100 years but the average age is 8 years. It's water temperature, like all of our natural springs, is 72° all year round.

Manatee springs is one of our favorites because it is so family friendly. There are expanded shallow areas for the younger children to wade and play, as well as, a nice deep main boil area that will challenge the older children and adults as they attempt to swim down against the flow. The natural setting is very beautiful with the rocky platforms and cypress strands, it's not very difficult to imagine how it supported a thriving community of Timucuan indians or why they decided to settle here.

The park services maintain a snack shop where visitors can purchase hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks, fries, ice cream and drinks. It is located in the main building right next to the dive shop where you can rent your mask, fins and snorkel. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available to rent through the dive shop and the flow leading to the river is a great and safe place to explore with the family even for the novice canoer.

The state park has the standard picnic areas, grills and a good sized playground for the smaller children if they get tired or cold. Thre is plenty of camping available for those that want to stay a few days to explore the various nature trails or to just get away from it all for a change.

In addition to the enjoyment of swimming/snorkeling in the springs there is also a very nice nature trail that leads through the wetlands stragight out to the Swuanee River. Placed at roughly even intervals throughout the walk are informative signs with information about the native species and the importance of protecting thme and their habitat. The girls enjoyed reading them to the group as we went along.

The boardwalk ends at the Swuanee River where there is docking for those in the area coming by boat. If you are making the trip by boat though, be sure to watch your speed as those sturgeon could really do some damage. We spent about 15 minutes looking out over the river and saw four or five impressive jumps from the armor plated beasts. Quite a site for someone who's not seen them before.

All in all we had a great day and everyone came home exhausted but satisfied. There's just something about the springs that draws even the most hesitant bathers to their cool clear waters and always leaves you with that special feeling that you've communed with nature.

It certainly was a long day though, filled with a lot of swimming and exploring. Everyone was ready to hit the hay when we got home and enjoyed a very sound nights sleep.

For more information on Manatee Springs State Park we encourage you to visit their web site at www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/default.cfm or to call (352) 493-6072.