“winter resort for over 100 years”
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.
Supposed to be the fountain of youth! It's an awesome little park although it's usually packed which can get kind of gross. Visit on a weekday and it's usually much less crowded. They've got a few historical buildings on the property so explore the area!
Love De Leon sprigs and the sugar mill restaurant. Maybe off the beaten path, but in my book that's a good thing. After several days at the beach, the spring is a welcome relief, clean, clear, fresh water. no crowds, good cheap food. I mean all you can eat pancakes for 5 bucks per person plus an amazing experience to boot! Bring googles or a mask and enjoy. It's about relaxing. Recommend for he family young and old
De Leon Springs State Park became our favorite spot for spending a great afternoon!
We enjoy exercising on out kayaks and then refill our stomachs at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant and our energy by eating great pancakes from the Sugar Mill Pancake House. The prices are affordable and they taste delicious!
New visitors can take the boat tour which guides you through the beautiful water paths of the Park.
If you have kids then they will totally enjoy it as there is a playground at the site and plenty of space to play. Also, there is a museum which can educate the whole family by learning about the place's historical background.
The Sugar Mill pancake house is not to be missed. It's a long wait unless you arrive early though. That's the main reason we go here. The swimming area is huge and the kids love to splash around. There is a small playground and a couple of trails as well. It's a nice place to get the family outside.
They have the actual "fountain of youth" here, which is pretty awesome. You can quite literally take a swim in the waters that Deleon thought promised eternal youth.
We loved it here. We visited with our 7 year old daughter and had a blast. The was was quite cold but it was overcast the day we went. I f you want to eat at the Mill make sure to put your name in as soon as you get there, our wait time was 3 hours and we ended up having to leave before that. However it is a beautiful place that God created.
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De Leon Springs State Park
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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