De Leon Springs, Florida
Native Americans used the springs 6,000 years ago and a sugar mill was built by settlers in the early 1880’s. The mill is now a restaurant where you make pancakes right at your table. It is also rumored to be the “Fountain of Youth” Juan Ponce De Leon was looking for on his 1513 expedition. Get to the restaurant early 8:30am or late 2:30pm because it’s a popular place. The park has a fishing dock, nature trails and sightseeing boats as well as camping facilities. The spring itself is like a giant swimming pool with 72 degree temperatures.
It’s crowded, lots of kids and easy access to the water and plenty of picnic tables. It’s fun to take the kids for a day trip just north of Deland.
Park Information/website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.cfm
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
(386) 985-4212
Hours: 8-sundown 365 days a year
Fee Schedule
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.