A Day at De Leon Springs State Park

old spanish sugar mill at de leon springs state park florida

Park Overview

A wide concrete sunbathing area surrounds the edges of the blue-green spring pool of De Leon Springs State Park. Slender palms and oaks draped in Spanish moss serve as a backdrop. Park visitors can enjoy the 72 degree springs year-round. Even during our December visit, kids made a splash in the designated shallow end and divers explored the depths below. The springs are closed off to cave diving, but bits of boil and sinkhole debris emerge, signifying more life below. The cave system lies 70 feet below the surface and 200 feet in length beyond where divers have explored.

spring pool de leon springs state park florida — De Leon Spring’s pool

Take a walk down the sidewalk dam to view the flowing waterfall and crystal clear springs. Most of Florida’s drinking water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, where rainwater dissolves limestone and caves and sinkholes are created. Where water from the aquifer has an opening to the surface, springs are formed, such as DeLeon Springs. About 19 million gallons of water flow from the aquifer daily.

1954 gardens de leon springs florida state park — Reflection Pools and Gardens, circa 1954 (Florida Memory)

Park History

De Leon Springs has drawn visitors since the 1800s, with gatherings at the only water-powered sugar mill in Florida and boating on the run, but it did not become an official state park until 1982.

From the late 1920s to 1960s, the park was the Ponce de Leon Springs tourist attraction, which included its own Fountain of Youth, as well as a resort hotel and theme park activities – from a jungle cruise and tropical gardens to aquatic shows and a tram tour.

All that remains of the Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel is the chimney at the rear of the present-day Visitor Center. Inside the arches of the Visitor Center, check out old photographs of the hotel, see the natural land before it was transformed into a tourist attraction, and peruse educational exhibits featuring Seminole history.

Many other historic structures remain at this 600-acre park, such as road paving mechanisms, sugar mill machinery, and leftover bricks of the historic sugar train.

Fountain of Youth Eco History boat tour — Kayaking and boat tour launch past the spring’s spillway

Things to Do

Visit the day rentals pavilion where you can borrow a boat, kayak, or tube to float along the tranquil waters. Follow a certified scuba instructor for a true diving experience. The spring run flows westward through three lakes – Spring Garden, Woodruff, and Dexter – and then to the St. Johns River.

Hop on the Fountain of Youth Eco History boat tour for some local history and bird watching (tours run every other hour and are 55 minutes in length). Purchase tickets at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill.

old spanish sugar mill grill and griddle house — Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House

And while you’re at it, put your name on the list for fresh, all-you-can-eat, stoneground flour pancakes. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House features “do-it-yourself” pancakes at your table with all the fixings! But be prepared to wait – there’s usually a ½ - 1.5 hour wait time, especially for weekend brunch. While you’re waiting, check out the quaint gift shop or the preserved pieces of the old mill.

Ample seating and picnic pavilions cover the grounds and all amenities are accessible from the springs to allow for a full day in the sun. We had a picnic lunch with a great view of the attractions.

de leon springs state park nature trail — Nature Trail loop

The park’s three trailheads are accessible from the recreational area as well. Opt for a paved 0.5-mile, Nature Trail loop traversing the cypress swamps, the 0.25-mile historic Monkey Island Trail, or the 4.2-mile Wild Persimmon Trail. No matter which one you choose to trek, there are points of interest along the canopied journey, showcasing De Leon Springs State Park’s rich cultural, natural, and historical wonders.