DeLeon Springs State Park Headspring 19 millions Gallons Flowing Daily
Old Spanish Mill DeLeon Springs Pool photo by Eileen Ludwig
There are over 700 Springs in Florida bubbling up thorough the Aquifer formation underground of limestone. Visiting the Springs throughout the State started with Blue Springs State Park to see the Manatees in January. While at Blue Springs, the park ranger suggested De Leon Springs for making pancakes at your table.
Old Spanish Mill Restaurant DeLeon Springs Photo by Eileen Ludwig
DeLeon Springs is famous for Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you make your own pancakes at a table with a built in hot plate. It sounded fun as he describe it. Finally made it there in May when it was warm outside. The Interior is quaint and still has the look and feel of a Sugar Mill as shown in the decor. The Water Wheel and the Cypress Trees take you back in time to a quieter time.
Inside Old Spanish Mill Restaurant Photo by Eileen Ludwig
Although it was fun alone, I suggest going with a group so you can share the many extra toppings and keep the cost down. Each of the toppings, blueberries, chocolate chips, etc. cost extra. I wanted to try others but the price was increasing. They do serve other items but the line that forms is for the pancakes. There was no line when I arrive late in the day. The fans throughout helped to keep the air moving and cooled it down a little.
Water Fall Overflow Outlet DeLeon Springs Photo by Eileen Ludwig
The Springs in Florida are around 70 degrees plus or minus a few degrees. The water is very clear. At De Leon Springs, there is a walled in area for swimming 250 feet square with an outlet over small falls to regulate the height of the water. Depths are from three feet to thirty feet. Many people were swimming the day I went. I sat on the edge with my legs in the water. As I adjusted to the temperature, it was very refreshing. There is a ramp for those who need assistance to enter the pool.
Museum Inside Old hotel DeLeon Springs Photo by Eileen Ludwig
There is a museum on site where an old hotel once was active. The museum is a must to get a feel for the many transformations the area and land underwent. I really like walking around and if it had not been so late would have loved a dip in the pool, maybe. It is fascinating to find these hidden areas in Florida where there is so much history.
De Leon Springs Entrance Sign Photo by Eileen Ludwig
The sign at the entrance says Ponce De Leon Springs which is confusing. There is a State Park by that name but it is in north West Florida. Make sure when looking for this the name is DeLeon Springs.
Cypress Tree photo by Eileen Ludwig
There is canoeing, Kayaks, paddleboats, hiking, and some tours by a vendor of the Spring Run. It was not running the day I went or the time I went. Bird watching can be fun to do. Wild Flowers, ferns, and vines for the nature lovers.
Fireplace inside Museum DeLeon Springs Photo by Eileen Ludwig
My suggestion is to go when it is cooler, Fall, Winter, Spring, because the Mill does not have air conditioning or heat. Although the warmer months are great for swimming. The water is the same temperature year round. Bring a bathing suit. Bring a Camera. Bring yourself. Enjoy your experience of making pancakes at your table in this historic park. Check out other State Parks with Springs.
- http://floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.cfm
- http://floridastateparks.org/resources/doc/individualparks/brochures/dls-brochure.pdf
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Leon_Springs_State_Park
- http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/springs/orl-trav-springs-deleon,0,7972897.story
- http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/springs/orl-trav-springs-intro,0,5390547.story
- http://www.floridastateparks.org/history/parkhistory.cfm
Fellow Travel Writer Experience at DeLeon Springs
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I finally got to make pancakes here last spring! Very cool place.
Twitter: eileenludwig
Jenn, Linked to your Travel Article too – It was a very cool place
What a nice and beautiful place! Great photos!
Twitter: eileenludwig
Isabella it is a wonderful place
Twitter: janross53
Years ago, I went to Weeki Wachee Springs and then to Tarpon Springs and have great memories of both. I’d love to visit more of these springs in Florida – everyone goes to the beach instead!
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Twitter: eileenludwig
Jan, After looking at this I realize I want to do more Springs in Florida. I love Hot Springs Arkansas too for drinking water – it takes so good
Twitter: lilygogo
Fabulous destination. Florida holds never ending attractions. Just love it.
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Twitter: eileenludwig
Inka, Florida truly does have never ending attractions.
Wow I have not thought about this place in years. I used to teach scuba in the springs including several people from the SeaQuest TV show. I also remember the widow of Johnny Weismuler (who played the role of Tarzan in my favorite movies as a kid) used to swim there every morning regardless of the freezing winter temperatures. It was often hard to focus on teaching with the smell of the pancakes wafting across the springs.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Greg
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Greg, Thanks for additional information on the area. It is a fun place from the past
Twitter: eurotravelista
I’ve never cooked pancakes table side but it sure sounds fun! The cypress trees are amazing with the moss hanging off the ranches.
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I’ve heard about this place but never had the chance to go when we lived in FL. Looks like SO much fun. Great post!
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RT @eileenludwig: RT Hidden Gem De Leon Springs State Park Florida #travel http://t.co/x06ucFkI #florida #statepark Fond memories of DLSSP
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Twitter: jenjenk
love the “make your own pancakes” thing! i’d eat my weight in it!
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JenJenk, Extremely filling. The type of flour is heavy but delicious
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Great post! This is a very cool and beautiful place to visit. The photos looks amazing.
Nice pictures. The water fall over flow look so beautiful! Ho i wish i could go to Florida next year
and visit the park that you mentioned 
.
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