Welcome to DeLeon Springs

An 1889 advertisement touted DeLeon Springs as "a fountain of youthimpregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulfur" and the springs remain one of the most popular swimming areas in central Florida. Acquired by the State Park Service in 1982, visitors to the park can walk along the same path as Ponce DeLeon and his men traveled during their exploration of Florida. The springs, which are dammed to create a beautiful swimming area, pump 20 to 30 million gallons of water daily. Anglers, hikers and canoeist will all enjoy the activities available at the park. At the most unique feature of the park, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House, you can grill your own pancakes from grain ground on site.

Swimmers will enjoy cooling off in the 72-degree water of DeLeon Springs. Featuring a ramped entrance and sand beach, the springs can be quite crowded on summer weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. Canoe rentals are available on a first come, first served basis, and can be rented by the hour, ½-day and full day. The spring run can be used to access Spring Garden Run Lake; or for a more adventurous trip, a 7-mile canoe trail leads to Lake Woodruff. The park system runs a unique restaurant on site. At The Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House, the wait staff brings pitchers of homemade pancake batter and you grill your own right at your table. One of the most popular attractions in the park, the restaurant also offers sandwiches and salads; a take-out window is available for snacks and picnic treats.

For the enjoyment of those who love hiking, a 5-2/10 mile trek called the Wild Persimmon Trail travels along Spring Garden Run through dense subtropical forest. Two additional shorter natures trails are available, one of which leads to an ancient bald cypress known as "Old Methuselah." The park also features a beautiful picnic area under ancient live oak trees. The picnic area includes a volleyball court, horseshoe pit and playground.