De Leon Springs State Park

Visitors enjoy a Florida experience that includes a recreational swimming area and a fascinating history.

Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree, and immerse oneself in a rich history. The spring run was once used to turn a sugar cane mill followed by a grist mill to turn corn into flour during the Civil War.

The famous naturalist John James Audubon visited the springs in 1831. “This spring presents a circular basin, having a diameter of about 60 feet, from the center of which the water is thrown up with great force, although it does not rise to a height of more than a few inches above the general level,” he wrote in his journal.
Today, thanks to state park protection, Audubon’s description still rings true.

Swimming is permitted from 8 a.m. until a half-hour before sunset (park closing). The swimming area is a constant 72 degrees, and depths range from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil.
Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times and should remain in the roped-off areas.
The swimming area is approximately 500 feet in circumference; swimming nine laps around the pool would be about a mile.