How to Experience the Best of Ponce De Leon Springs State Park in Central Florida!
De Leon Springs (or DeLeon Springs) State Park is a unique park in Central Florida named after Ponce de Leon himself. Has he ever visited this area? Well, no, but he definitely missed out!
The park consists of a swimming area with a natural bubbling spring, eco boat tours through the state park and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, kayak and canoe rentals, and a historic sugar mill and restaurant. Read on to see the best of Ponce De Leon Springs State Park!
DeLeon Springs is a relatively small spring with a concrete dam separating the spring from the paddling and boating section. Built in the early 19th century, this dam area was walled off to protect the spring which in turn created a pool-like swimming area. This is great for visitors who might not be too keen on swimming with wildlife like you can at other state parks like Blue Spring.
See our post about Blue Spring State Park for more information about seeing wildlife such as manatees up close and personal.
Swimming in DeLeon Springs
The first thing you’ll notice when entering the park is all of the shade! The old oak trees are just dripping in Spanish moss providing tons of places to spread out a picnic blanket or a beach chair and relax while the kids splash in the spring. As with most Florida springs, the water temperature in DeLeon Spring is around 72°F year round- great for cooling off in the summer.
Since it is spring-fed the water is crystal clear in the swimming area. Over 19 million gallons of fresh water come bubbling up from the underground spring daily. The swimming area includes the spring boil, and ranges from 3 feet deep to 30 feet at the deepest point.
Tip: The park has a daily entrance fee per vehicle (currently $6 a car) and is open from 8AM to sunset, 365 days a year. Entry can get pretty backed up so as with any Florida state park, we recommend arriving early (before 8AM) to avoid a wait.
Things to Do in the DeLeon Springs Recreation Area
Besides swimming in the spring, there is so much to do at De Leon Springs! Picnic tables with grills are scattered throughout the grounds under the huge tree canopies. Pavilions can be rented here if you have a larger party or occasion. There is a small playground for kids in the shade as well.
There is a fishing dock in the park, or you can fish from the shore outside of the swimming area. Canoes and kayaks can be rented to explore the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge right next to the spring, which has over 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks, and marshes perfect for paddling.
The park also features scenic trails, including the 4-mile Wild Persimmon Trail which winds through diverse ecosystems like pine flatwoods and swamps, offering a chance to spot wildlife such as deer and tortoises. The shorter, paved Spring-to-Spring Trail connects to a larger trail network, making it ideal for walking and biking.
Visit the Historic Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs
The biggest draw and what makes this park unique is the cook-our-own pancakes area at the De Leon Springs historic Sugar Mill. Water flowing from the spring run was once used to turn a sugar cane mill, which was turned into a grist mill used to ground corn into flour during the Civil War.
Making pancakes at De Leon Springs
Serving breakfast and lunch, the Sugar Mill Restaurant is a favorite part of the De Leon Springs experience. The tables inside have built in griddles where you can cook your own pancakes with all the fixings: blueberries, chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
Besides the all-you-can-eat pancakes, the Sugar Mill Restaurant offers breakfast staples such as eggs, bacon, and biscuits and gravy. If you didn’t pack a picnic basket, you can choose from cheeseburgers, salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, and paninis for lunch.
There can be quite a wait for the restaurant during peak breakfast hours on the weekends. The park offers boat tours around the surrounding wildlife preserve, and if you book a tour you don’t lose your place in line while you wait for an open table at the restaurant!
Update: The new and improved Sugar Mill Restaurant has opened! In September 2022, the original Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant closed after 61 years. A new concession business took over and has completed some needed renovations such as roof and interior repairs.
Boat Tours and History of the Park
Just across from the swimming area is the boat dock, offering 50-minute tours of De Leon Springs and the Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge. The boat tours run four times throughout the day. Wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and birds such as osprey, anhinga, egrets and herons can be spotted along the tour. When the weather is cooler manatees can show up. And rumor is they’ve even seen a black bear out swimming in the lake!
Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth
While Juan Ponce de Leon is credited in the name of the spring there is no record he actually set foot here. However, Native Americans in the Mayaca tribe have lived on these lands for centuries. DeLeon Springs was once referred to as Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by the Mayaca Indians. Wooden canoes and arrowheads have been found on the grounds that are over 5,000 years old.
You can also see some of the original sugar mill machinery dating back to the 1800’s. Soon after the Civil War, the area was named Ponce de Leon Springs in hopes to attract tourists via steamboat to the “Fountain of Youth”. Part of the brick structure is still present today. The state of Florida purchased the lands in the 1980’s and renamed it to De Leon Springs State Park.
Note: There are no camping areas at the park. Check out TripAdvisor for the best hotels and places to stay near De Leon Springs State Park.
Things to Do Around Central Florida
Whether you want to explore true “old Florida” by boat or hiking, or just enjoy swimming and fishing and a good breakfast, spending a day at De Leon Springs in should be on your list. It is less than an hour from Central Florida and the Disney area and makes a fun day trip. Enjoy the sights, the cool water and shade, and some relaxation too. See if you feel any younger after bathing in the waters at the Fountain of Youth!
More Florida springs and state parks you should check out:
Happy Trails!
Nice place to spend with the family and friends but there is one problem in the pool section, specially at the corner where the concrete stairs are located. They need to open up or build my more drainage for the water move out to the river quickly.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience with this! I wonder if the water levels were low. I’ll have to check this area out next time we go!
Hi I am planning to go to the sugar mill this coming weekend do they accept cash ?
De Leon springs
Hi Julie! The Historic Sugar Mill is slated to change hands coming September 12th, and we aren’t exactly sure what this means for the future of the cook-your-own pancakes. According to the Department of Environmental Protection which oversees the state parks, “The restaurant’s famous cook-your-own pancakes will still be available in the authentic, sugar mill building overlooking one of Florida’s most beautiful natural settings”. That being said, be prepared for long lines in the coming weekends prior to the restaurant changing hands! The restaurant does accept cash, and they will not be taking reservations. Hope this helps!
when my girls were growing up we were there almost every day. summer months are way to crowded unless you go after 4 pm. i learned to swim there at about age 35, during school days I fed my girls after school then walked to springs about a mile and stayed till they closed the park. wish I still lived there I miss it and if you have a problem contact park rangers they are great
Erin and David, Thank you for writing so eloquently about our park. I am the president of Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park, and I appreciate and enjoy reading your posts. Your photos are beautiful!
I’m so glad you found our site! We love visiting local state parks and DeLeon Springs is one of our favorites 🙂