State Park DeLeon Springs Florida
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DeLeon Springs State Park is a beautiful state park in DeLeon Springs Florida. It covers 603 acres. Popular activities are swimming in the natural spring waters that remain at a pleasant 72°F year-round. It lies approximately 1 hours drive north of Orlando.
The Park is built around a natural sulfur spring, flowing at a rate of about 20 million gallons a day!
The swimming area is adjacent to a picnic spot and small playground. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and even paddle boats to explore the creeks, lakes and marshes of DeLeon Springs.
There is even an Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, where you can make your own pancakes at the table!
Wildlife at DeLeon Springs State Park
DeLeon Springs Florida is a truly stunning and naturally beautiful area. The main ecosystems are ancient cypress and oak trees which dominate the landscape in this part of Florida.
The most common wildlife you’ll see are alligators, turtles, otters, vultures, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets (pictured right below) and Anhingas (pictured left below).
If you’re lucky you catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer, American Bald Eagles, Kingfishers and maybe even a black bear! Florida black bears travel from the Ocala National Forest to the Tiger Bay Wildlife Management Area.
What Activities Are There To Do?
Hiking and Wildlife Observation There is a five-mile hiking trail popular for bird watching (the park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail). One dead end of the trail leads to Monkey Island, named after monkeys who had escaped from the circus and settled there.
Eco-Tours You can take a 45minute guided boat tour into the neighboring Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
Picnicking has always been a popular pastime here. If you have a large group of people or require a pavilion, they can be reserved October through March. Pavilions are on a first come first served basis April through September.
Fishing Anglers will find bass and bream in abundance in the Spring Run. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age or older.
Kayaking/Canoing You can hire a kayak, canoe or paddle boat and explore the park by water. Rentals are available throughout the year.
How Much Does it Cost?
Admission is $5 per car of eight passengers. $1 more for each additional person.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with holder of annual individual entrance permit – admission fee is $1.
Pavilion fees are $30.00, plus tax, for a small pavilion, and $60.00, plus tax, for a large pavilion.
The Pancake House
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located inside the DeLeon Springs State Park. This small restaurant has been in business for over 40 years.
Their specialties are pancakes – of course! Also French toast, eggs a salads and sandwiches.
Opening Times
The restaurant serves everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Monday through Friday 9 am till 4 pm.
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 8 am till 4 pm.
- Close at 5 PM daily.
DeLeon Springs Florida Location Map
You can use the map to zoom in and out of the area using the left hand navigation bar. You can also hold down your right mouse button and drag the map in all directions.
Address:
601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd
DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130
Phone: DeLeon Springs State Park Ranger Station, +1 386 985-4212
Opening Hours: 365 days a year, 8am until sundown.