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DeLeon Springs - Orlando Hotels .com

An 1889 advertisement touted DeLeon Springs as "a fountain of youth impregnated 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.

Directions: From Orlando, take I-4 East to Exit 54, SR-472. Travel west on SR-472 for 2-5/10 miles to US-17. Travel north on US-17 for 6-5/10 miles. Stay straight to go onto FL-11 and travel 11-6/10 miles to FL-40. Turn left onto FL-40 and travel 6-7/10 miles to US-17. Turn left of US-17 and travel approximately 8 miles to the park entrance.