De Leon Springs State Park is one of the most stunning natural attractions in the state of Florida. It’s one of those cool sights that focuses on both nature and history. It is definitely a must-see if you’re in the area. It is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, or Jacksonville.
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History of De Leon Springs
Long before De Leon Springs was a state park, it was a plantation known as Spring Garden Plantation. The site was home to the first water-powered sugar mill in Florida. The mill was built in 1832 and parts of the machinery and brickwork are preserved behind the restaurant (more on this later!).
This area was also home to the Seminole tribe who attacked the plantation in 1835. During their raid, they destroyed the mill, stole cattle and slaves. Two years later, General Zachary Taylor and his troops were finally able to drive the Seminoles out. In 1849, a team of about 100 slaves reconstructed the mill and plantation and harvested cotton and sugar.
The plantation owner began providing supplies to the Confederate Army with supplies. Upon hearing this, the Union troops destroyed the plantation in what was known as Birney’s Raid.
When the war ended, Spring Garden became a tourist destination. Visitors arrived via steamboat and railroad. To help attract more tourists, the name was changed to Ponce de Leon Springs and locals claimed the springs were the Fountain of Youth.
The Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino was constructed. Though it only had 14 rooms, it quickly became a hot spot for wealthy Northern visitors. By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.
In 1982, the state of Florida took over the attraction and attempted to make it a little less cheesy. Today, the park system maintains 625 acres surrounding the springs.
What is there to do at De Leon Springs?
The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may be able to spot a bald eagle!
The parks offers a 50-minute eco/history boat tour on the Spring Garden Run. Visitors that are on the waiting list for the restaurant can hop on the boat tour without losing their place in line. A minimum of eight passengers is required for the tour to commence.
The springs are also popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. There are canoes and kayaks available to rent on the property.
Swimming and snorkeling is permitted in the natural pool area but not in the Spring Run due to boats and alligators. The water is a constant 72 degrees.
There is a gorgeous half-mile paved hiking trail with interpretive signs not far from the restaurant. The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail is a four-mile loop where you might spot deer, turkeys, wild hogs, and the elusive Florida black bear.
Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant
In the early 1900s, a structure was built on top of the foundation of the 1830s mill. The building was later converted to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant commonly referred to as the Sugar Mill Restaurant. The restaurant features griddle tables where visitors prepare their own pancakes. Breakfast and lunch are available. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Visiting Information
- The park is open from 8 AM until sunset 365 days a year.
Fees:
- $6 per vehicle: 2-8 people
- $4 per vehicle: one person only
- $4 per motorcycle
- $2 per person for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers
Our Spring Essentials
Floats and Rafts
SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float
More Fun Stuff!
Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask
Safety
Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit
Skin Care & Insect Repellent
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Towels & Swim Suits
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard
Nearby Springs
- Blue Spring State Park (15 miles)
- Alexander Springs (22 miles)
- Juniper Springs (25 miles)
- Silver Glen Spring Recreation Area (27 miles)
- Salt Springs Recreation Area (37 miles)
- Wekiwa Springs State Park (40 miles)
Are There Alligators in the Springs?
Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.
There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.
However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.
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5 replies on “Florida’s Gorgeous De Leon Springs”
[…] De Leon Springs State Park is AMAZING! The site is a former plantation and fancy schmancy hotel. There are remnants of both periods of the properties history on the ground. De Leon Springs was one of the first eco-parks in the state of Florida. There are hiking trail, kayak and canoe rentals, and a swimming area. […]
[…] kayak and canoe rentals, and even a super trendy restaurant where you make your own pancakes. De Leon Springs State Park is a […]
[…] to the Florida springs (De Leon Springs, Alexander Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs) for a bit of paddle […]
[…] de Leon Springs State Park (22 miles) […]
[…] People would migrate from the north to relax in the cool Florida waters. Silver Springs and de Leon Springs were once some of the most popular tourist attractions in the United […]