A complex of three spring areas located just off of King's Bay in Crystal River, Florida forms Three Sisters Springs. Three Sisters Springs is a magnitude 2-spring system consisting of a number of vents and sand boils that create one the most critical warm water manatee refuges in the state of Florida. The spring system is surrounded by 57 acres of undeveloped land located just off of King's Bay Drive, in the heart of Crystal River.

The entrance run leading up to the Three Sisters Springs complex is found just off of a residential canal located along the east side of the bay. The spring run is a narrow channel of flowing water that extends approximately 75 feet until opening up to the crystal clear lagoon of the spring complex.

During the coldest winter days, as many as 200 manatees may congregate in, and around, the Three Sisters springhead and spring run, seeking the protection of its warm flowing ground waters.

In the summer of 2010, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the management rights to Three Sisters Springs and also the majority of the surrounding 57 acres of property. A concerted effort to preserve the springs and the surrounding land was put in motion when the threat of development became a reality in 2004. At that time, a development group that intended to build upscale homes, and tap the critical spring water for bottling purposes, purchased the Three Sisters Spring property.

In 2008, after helping with the rescue of an injured baby manatee, the Three Sisters Springs owners/developers, decided to offer the springs and surrounding land for public purchase to ensure future preservation of this critical manatee habitat. A grassroots effort to secure funding for the protection of the property was put in motion and in the summer of 2010 the purchase money was obtained and Three Sisters Springs became part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

The USFWS has recently released the "master plan" for the springs which will open the property up to public access. A visitors center, walking trails, and an observation platform overlooking the springs where the general public can view manatees are all part of the plan. You may view the Three Sisters Spring plan by clicking here.