Manatee Springs
Manatee Springs is located just outside of Chiefland on the Lower Suwannee River.
Manatee Spring is a first magnitude, blue spring that has a beautiful run to the Suwannee River. During winter months the spring hosts as many as a 50 manatees at a time on really cold days. There are great recreational opportunities in the park with hiking and bike trails that cover a dozen or more miles through swamps, longleaf pine forests and oak hammocks. The park is riddled with sinkholes—or karst windows—into the Manatee Springs Cave System. Deer, turkeys, fox, owls, eagles, swallow tailed kites and a number of other iconic Florida wildlife species are often spotted in the park—including Florida manatees.
Cave Divers Entering the Labyrinth Photo by Mark Long
Margaret Ross Tolbert
Manatee Springs, 1993
oil on canvas, 16 x 12 in
Manatees swimming in clear spring water
Learn more about Manatee Springs
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![Manatees swimming in clear spring water]()
Why We Love This Spring
Manatee Springs is a first-magnitude blue spring flowing gently to the Suwannee River. From winter manatees to year-round swimming and wildlife, it offers beauty and adventure in a wild setting.
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Know Your Springshed
Manatee Springs is fed by rainfall that travels miles through limestone and underground passages. A large cave system connects sinkholes and conduits that deliver water to the spring.
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![Underwater scene with fish and aquatic plants]()
Health and Science
Water quality at Manatee Springs is declining as nutrient levels continue to rise. Addressing nitrate pollution and restoring natural vegetation are essential to protecting the spring’s long-term health.
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![Clear shallow spring water over rocks]()
Caring for Your Spring
Manatee Springs reflects the impact of everything done across its watershed. Water conservation, responsible fertilizer use, and proper septic maintenance help protect its future.
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History
For over 10,000 years, Manatee Springs has drawn Native Americans, explorers, and settlers to its stunning waters. Named by William Bartram, it became Florida’s first state park in 1954.
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![Scuba divers exploring underwater cave]()
About Your Moderator
Annette Long, a avid cave diver and longtime resident, works to protect and restore Manatee Springs. She advocates for education, geology awareness, and improved water quality.
Manatee Springs Map & Resources
Map showing the location of Manatee Springs in Chiefland, Florida.
Manatee Springs State Park is located at 11650 NW 115 Street, Chiefland, Florida.
It flows into the Suwannee River and is known for its clear spring water and seasonal manatee sightings in cooler months.
The park offers swimming, boardwalk trails, and wildlife viewing in a quiet natural setting.
View on Google Maps
Even in its impaired condition, Manatee Springs is a magical spot.
Find out more about visiting the spring at:
Florida State Parks: Manatee Springs
To find out more about water quality problems and solutions in the Suwannee River watershed check out: Save Our Suwannee