Opened to the public in 1955, Manatee Springs State Park offers an array of opportunities for enjoying the "Real Florida" outdoors. The most prominent natural feature in the 2,075-acre park is Manatee Spring itself. A first-magnitude spring, it produces 81,280 gallons of crystal-clear water every minute or approximately 117 million gallons daily. Water from the spring run flows into the Suwannee River and then meets the Gulf of Mexico 23 miles downstream. A boardwalk next to the spring run offers a view of the river swamp which is alive with cyrpress, gum, ash and maple trees. The boardwalk ends at a pavilion and a floating boat dock out on the scenic Suwannee River. Animals frequently spotted in the hammock and sandhill communities of the park include white-tailed deer and various small mammals and birds. The manatee, an endangered species for which the park is named, can also be viewed from the boardwalk.

• Go scuba diving (must present certification upon registration). Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commericial Dive Permit.