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.
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
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.
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.
Admission Fees - $5.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, - Admission Fee $1.00
Pavilion Fee
Pavilion fees are $30.00, plus tax, for
a small pavilion, and $60.00, plus tax, for a large pavilion.
De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd./PO Box 1338
DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130
Phone: 386-985-4212
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends
of De Leon Springs State Park, Inc.
P.O. Box 1444
De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Visitor Service Provider
Old Spanish Sugar Mill
Post Office Box 691
De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-5644
Fax Number (386) 985-3315
http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill/
