Park Summary for Print - De Leon Springs State Park

Photo of springs waterfalls and sugarmill.

Welcome to De Leon Springs State Park

Native Americans visited and used these springs as long as 6,000 years ago. In the early 1800s, settlers built sugar and cotton plantations that were sacked by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. By the 1880s the springs had become a winter resort, and tourists were promised "a fountain of youth impregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulphur." The swimming area is adjacent to a beautiful, shady picnic ground. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available for a paddling tour of the spring and spring run. De Leon Springs flows into the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge where canoeists and kayakers can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks, and marshes. At The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, guests can make their own pancakes at the table. Located at the corner of Ponce de Leon and Burt Parks Road, west of U.S. 17.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about De Leon Springs State Park, please call 386-985-4212.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Sugarmill Restaurant hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., serving until 4:00 p.m,, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Driving Directions

Take US Hwy 17 North from Deland for approximately six miles, following the State Park signs. Turn left onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd and you will travel approximately one mile to the entrance to DeLeon Springs State Park.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees:

$45.00 per day, plus tax: Rental of small picnic pavilion.

$75.00 per day, plus tax: Rental of large picnic pavilion.

Activities at De Leon Springs State Park

	Boat Ramp Boating is permitted in Spring Garden Creek. A boat launch is offered at no additional charge. Boats up to 22' may be launched depending on water levels of Spring Garden Creek. Call park for information on water levels.
	Boating Boating is available
	Canoeing & Kayaking De Leon Springs State Park provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where canoeists can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available in the park throughout the year. The De Leon Springs State Park is contiguous to the Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge area is easily accessed by water and provides excellent birding and fishing opportunities. Paddleboats can be rented by the half hour and hour. Canoes and kayaks are available by the hour, half day (four hours) and full day. As there is no road access into the refuge, all rentals return to their point of departure at the park. All rentals must return to the dock by 4:45 p.m. and are available on a first come, first served basis. General Release Participation Requirements
	Concessions Come join us for pancakes or lunch at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekends, serving until 4:00 p.m. Call 386.985.5644 for further information. Food and/or drinks can be purchased here Participation Requirements
	Facilities DeLeon Springs State Park has restroom facilities located throughout the park. All restrooms are ADA accessible.
	Fishing Fishing is permitted in Spring Garden Creek, Snatch Hooks or Castnets are prohibited from shore line. A Freshwater Fishing license is required and all freshwater fishing laws apply. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Hiking/Nature Trails Metal Detectors The use of metal detectors, magnetometers, or other metal detecting devices is prohibited in the park.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available
	Nature Trails De Leon Springs offers a half-mile paved nature trail which is also wheelchair accessible. This trail passes through a flood plain hammock with many hardwoods, pines and other plants native to this area, including a cypress tree that is more than 500 years old. Various wildlife may be seen. Also available is the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail, a 4 mile loop trail that will lead you through several natural communities. Parts of the trail can flood during wet seasons and biting insects are common, so appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended, along with insect repellent and drinking water. Hikers must register at the Ranger Station.
	Pavilion Deleon Springs State Park has four pavilions. We have Our two large pavilions (with electrical service) and two smaller pavilions (without electrical service). Fees for our pavillions DO NOT include park entry fees or any special use fees. Pavilions can be reserved year round. Please contact park ranger station for further information.
	Picnicking Picnic tables with grills are available on a first come first basis near the spring and in the shade of large live oaks.
	Playground Playground equipment with slides and climbing features is centrally located near the picnic area, swimming area, restaurant and restrooms. Please make sure that children are supervised by an adult at all times.
	Scuba Only instructional diving is permitted, taught by a certified and insured instructor, holding a current Florida State Parks dive permit. Recreational diving is not allowed. Metal Detectors The use of metal detectors, magnetometers, or other metal detecting devices is prohibited in the park.
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is permitted in the Spring Swimming area only. Snorkeling and swimming are prohibited in the Spring Run at all times.
	Swimming Swimming is permitted from 8:00 a.m. until one half hour before sunset. The swimming area is spring fed and is a constant 72 degrees. Depths range from 18" to 30' at the spring boil. Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times. The swimming area is approximately 170 feet across and 500 feet in diameter. Ten laps around would be about a mile. Lifeguards are on duty only during the summer months. NO swimming is permitted in Spring Garden Creek.
	Visitor Center Come to our Visitor Center for Information
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for De Leon Springs State Park

CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT
Date: January 9-10, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Description: Union troops raided the spring in 1864. see a typical encampment of the period, how the soldiers drilled,slept prepared their meals, etc.walk the trails once patrolled by union soldiers.
Fees: Regular park admission fees apply.
Contact: Contact park for more information.

A "Get REAL in Florida State Parks!" Event

Frequently Asked Questions about De Leon Springs State Park

Question: Do we need to pay the entrance fee if we are just going to the Sugar Mill Restaurant?
Answer: Yes, The fee is to enter the park no matter if you are going to the Sugar Mill, Picnicking, renting a boat or any other activity in the park.

Question: What is the temperature of the spring water?
Answer: The water is 72 degrees year round.

Question: How long is the Hiking Trail?
Answer: The Hiking Trail is a four-mile loop.

Question: Are pets allowed in the park?
Answer: Yes they are, but they are not allowed around the pool. They must be well behaved at all times and on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet.

Question: Can I reserve a pavilion?
Answer: Pavilions may be reserved year round. Please allow at least a two week notice for payment and availability. If the pavilions are not reserved, they are on a first come first serve basis. Please contact park ranger station for further information.

Question: How do I get there?
Answer: For directions to the park from your location it is best to call 1-386-985-4212.

De Leon Springs State Park History

De Leon Springs State Park
6,000 Years of History

First Spanish Period: 1513-1763
British Period: 1763-1783
Second Spanish Period: 1783-1821
U.S. Territorial Period: 1821-1845

6,000 years BP (Before Present)--Native people first lived around the spring and along the spring run. Several shell mounds and middens are located in the park, and in 1990, a 6,000 year old dugout canoe was found in the spring.

1500s--Legend and folklore claim that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sought and discovered the mythical Fountain of Youth at De Leon Springs. There is no historical record or archaeological evidence to support this.

1779--Panton, Leslie and Company, the largest British firm specializing in the Indian trade, applied for a land grant covering 500 acres that included De Leon Springs, known then as Spring Garden. At that time, a group of Seminole Indians lived here.

1804--William Williams moved from New Smyrna to settle at Spring Garden and was the first to raise corn, cotton, and sugar.

1823--Major Joseph Woodruff bought 2,020 acres from Williams for $3,000. Woodruff owned the property until his death in 1828, while returning from a business trip to New York to purchase sugar-making equipment. His wife Jane died 6 years later and both are buried in Charleston, SC.

1831--Colonel Orlando Rees obtained the property from the Woodruff family. Rees, with 90 slaves, constructed the only water powered sugar mill in Florida. The surrounding fields were planted in sugar cane, corn and cotton.

1832--Naturalist John James Audubon visited the Rees plantation for a few days. Rees took Audubon exploring along the waterways, and an island was named after him. He spoke of "beautiful flowers, rich looking fruits, a pure sky" and named it a "garden." Here he first saw the limpkin.

1835--Seminoles attacked the Rees plantation, destroying the mill and houses, and stealing slaves and cattle. Joseph Woodruff led a militia force against the Seminoles, forcing them from the area.

1838--U.S. troops under the command of General Zachary Taylor occupied Spring Garden. The remaining Seminoles left the area.

1842--The Second Seminole War ended.

1845--Florida became the 27th state.

1854--Thomas Starke bought the Rees property, rebuilding the sugar mill.

1864--During the Civil War, the Starke plantation provided grain and produce to the Confederates. In 1864, Union troops under Colonel Nobel destroyed the plantation and sugar mill.

1872--Major George Norris bought the spring property and rebuilt the mill in 1878.

1880s--A small tourist resort was built at the spring and the community name was changed from Spring Garden to De Leon Springs. During this time, the railroad reached the town, bringing tourists.

1920--The spring was dammed for use as a power source. The Clyde Beatty Circus began wintering at De Leon Springs.

1925--The De Leon Spring Inn and casino were built.

1953--The resort was developed as an attraction, adding gardens, jungle cruises, and a water circus with an elephant on water skis.

1982--The State of Florida purchased the property and it became De Leon Springs State Park.

De Leon Springs State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.