Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weeki_Wachee_Springs Weeki Wachee Springs is a natural tourist attraction located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, where underwater performances by "mermaids", women wearing fish tails as well as other fanciful outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River. A waterpark, Buccaneer Bay, and boat rides are also part of the attraction.

WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE Named by the Seminole Indians, Weeki Wachee means “little spring” or “winding river.” More than 117 million gallons of water flow from the subterranean caverns daily. The spring’s basin is 100 feet wide with limestone sides. Sixteen to 20 feet below the surface, the current runs a strong five miles per hour, posing a challenge for the mermaids to stay in one place. In 1946, Newton Perry purchased Weeki Wachee. He hired and trained the ‘mermaids’ to perform synchronized ballet moves underwater using hidden air hoses. An 18-seat theater which opened in 1947, was built into the limestone, six feet below the spring’s surface, allowing viewers to see the natural beauty of the ancient spring. Weeki Wachee’s heyday began in 1959, when the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the springs. ABC built the current theater and developed themes for the shows, with elaborate props, music and story lines. In the 1960s, girls came from as far away as Tokyo for tryouts to become a mermaid. They performed eight shows per day to sold-out crowds, entertaining nearly half a million people annually. Buccanner Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park, opened in 1982. In 1997, the Legendary Sirens returned to perform in the Mermaids of Yesteryear shows, which play to standing room only crowds. The city of Weeki Wachee incorporated in 1966. With a population of nine, it is still one of the nation’s smallest cities. The mayor of Weeki Wachee is a former mermaid. Weeki Wachee Springs became a state park on November 1, 2008. 6131 Commercial Way Spring Hill, FL 34606 352- 592-5656 PARK GUIDELINES • Hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., 365 days a year. • Admission is $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. • The water slides at the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park’s Water Park operate on a seasonal basis. The slides are generally open weekends from April to early June, daily from June-August and weekends through September. To verify operating hours for the water slides, contact the park in advance • Pets are not permitted. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida’s state parks. • To become a volunteer, inquire at Guest Relations. • Florida state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to facilities and programs. If you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact Guest Relations. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK The city of mermaids Weeki Wachee Springs State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES R Dock W WE IV E N Weeki River W A Wachee CHE E EKI R As one of Florida’s original roadside attractions, the mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs have entertained visitors since 1947. The famous springhead is a first magnitude spring supplying the 12-mile Weeki Wachee River. Whether your adventure begins on a River Boat Cruise, or in a kayak, you are bound to see West Indian manatees, alligators, otters or a variety of fish, snakes and birds. Grandstand E Deck Barn Restaurant S Gift Shop & Grill Deck Admin Office Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee offers a fun-filled, flume ride for thrill seekers of all ages. Swim in the crystal-clear spring waters of Weeki Wachee Springs. A white sandy beach area and covered picnic pavilions with tables provide a relaxing day for your entire family. Buccaneer Bay is seasonal. Please call the park for days of operation. There are several concession areas throughout the park for purchasing food, drinks and memorabilia. Docks Spring SPRING Theater Gift Shop Nursery Legend Snack Bar Park Boundary Banquet Hall Office Pool Raft Rental Shops The nearly 1,000-acre park features a 400-seat submerged theater for watching the live mermaid show. Wildlife shows also occur at the Riverside Theater. A river boat cruise offers a tranquil view of the Weeki Wachee River. Discover Florida’s natural wildlife and various points of interest along the way. For one of the best views of the river and its wildlife, consider kayaking for a peaceful, yet exciting journey. Kayaks are available for rent. Slide Bird Theater Covered Deck County Road Park Road Paved Park Road Unstabiliz US Highway Arbor Admissions Walkways Camping Sites z rte Co Structures Parking Lots d ar ev ul Bo ´ Amphitheater Boat Tours Kayak Launch Kayaking Concessions PAGE 2 Parking Pavilion Picnicking Restrooms Swimming Directions Weeki Wachee Springs is located at the intersection of State Road 50 and Highway WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK 19, just north of Spring Hill and south of Homosassa Springs. 0 500 ´ 1,000 Theater 2,000 Feet Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Date of aerial; 2011 Tubing BASE MAP (PAGE 1 OF 00266 Rev_02.19 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c