Recently we escaped to Homosassa Springs and the Yulee Sugar Mill. It’s just a short trip from our home just outside of Tampa, Florida, in Saint Petersburg.
We really needed a change of scenery.
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins and Historic State Park
State Road 490
Homosassa, FL 33446
Hours: 8 AM- Sundown, 365 days a year
Fee: Free
While plotting a trip to Homosassa Springs, we stumbled on a website for this historic State Park. Based on the webpage and information provided, it looked fascinating.
The park is what’s left of a 5,100-acre sugar plantation once owned by David Levy Yulee. He was a part of the Territorial Legislative Council and later and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate after Florida became a state. The mill provided sugar products to troops during the Civil War.
Don’t Blink Or You’ll Miss It.
We knew the ruins were all that was left of the plantation, but what we saw was a 40-foot limestone chimney, some gears, and a cane press – and that’s ALL there is!
The road runs through the middle of the state park, with the ruins on the right as you come from Homosassa. We actually drove through it twice before stopping and asking some state park employees cleaning up a parking and picnic area.
Don’t get us wrong; if you are touring the area, you absolutely want to stop. The artifacts are fascinating, and there is a small picnic pavilion with tables, grills, and restrooms.
The Sugar Mill Near Homosassa Springs
Playing with a new camera, we enjoyed spending about 30 minutes walking around the ruins taking some beautiful photos.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
4150 South Suncoast Boulevard
Homosassa, FL 33446
Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (ticket counter closes at 4:45 PM)
Fee: Adults (13+) $13.00, Children (6-12) $5.00, Children 5 and Under – FREE
This fantastic location is a state park that showcases ‘the wild side of Florida’ with local animals and especially endangered species.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the tram and boat rides were closed, but we had a wonderful day exploring the local wildlife. A majority of people were wearing masks in the outdoor spaces, and everyone was practicing physical distancing.
It was once a stop on the railroad where passengers in the early 1900s could take a dip in the springs, the river, and natural springs haven’t changed a lot.
It was a lovely afternoon walk; we enjoyed the animals and time outdoors. We’ll probably venture back another time for a boat ride or one of the Halloween or Christmas experiences they traditionally offer.
Be sure to visit our Instagram feed for more photos of our trip to Homosassa Springs!
