Located about 50 miles from the Orlando area, Hontoon Island State Park offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday world. Unique among the parks in Central Florida, the island setting makes it accessible only by private boat or the free passenger ferry. Nestled between the St. Johns and Hontoon Dead River, the visitor will find it a fisherman's' and naturalists' delight.

Timucuan Indians were the first settlers of the island, and the visitor can view the large mound these Native Americans left as evidence of their presence. Several artifacts of their civilization have been discovered in the area, and a recreation of one of them, a large totem pole, has been erected in the park's picnic grounds. The island has had numerous uses since the Timucuans disappeared: a pioneer homestead, a boat yard, commercial fishing center and a cattle ranch. The park system has allowed all evidence of this previous civilization to disappear and the park has returned to its natural state.

Large enough to enjoy a leisure hike, but not so large as to get lost, the visitor will enjoy the 3-mile trail along Hontoon Dead River. Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, for which the park provides a sanctuary. Alligator, deer, otter, and wild turkey as well as numerous other bird species are common sights. With both the St. Johns and Hontoon Dead River available for fishing, the fisherman can spend hours catching largemouth bass, speckled perch, bluegills and shellcrackers. Canoeing is another favorite pastime, and canoes can be rented at the park for $3.00 per hour.

Directions: Traveling south on International Drive, take a slight right onto FL-435N. Travel 2/10 mile to I-4 East. Merge onto I-4 East and travel 37 8/10 miles to Exit 54, SR-472. Merge onto SR-472 west and travel 2 5/10 miles to the US-17 North ramp. Travel 3/10 to S. Woodland Blvd. Merge onto S. Woodland Blvd. and travel 1 6/10 mile to FL-15A. Turn left onto FL-15A and travel 2 8/10 miles to FL-44. Turn left onto FL-44 and travel 2 8/10 miles to Shell Rd S. Turn left onto Shell Rd. S. and travel 5/10 mile to Old New York Ave. Turn left onto Old New York Ave. and travel 1/10 mile to Hontoon Rd. Turn right onto Hontoon Rd. and travel 2 5/10 miles to River Ridge Rd. Turn left onto River Ridge Rd. and travel 4/10 mile to the ferry dock.

Address: