Hontoon Island: a ferry-only state park on the St. Johns River
An island park west of DeLand reached only by private boat or the free park ferry, with trails, a visitor center and thousands of years of history.
As of October 2026, check hours, fees and closures before you go.
Why go
An island park west of DeLand reached only by private boat or the free park ferry, with trails, a visitor center and thousands of years of history.
Itinerary
Day trip
- Morning
Park at 2309 River Ridge Road, about six miles west of DeLand, and take the park ferry across. It runs from 8 a.m.
- Midday
Tour the visitor center and hike the island trails, where the park says evidence of thousands of years of Native American habitation can be seen.
- Afternoon
Rent a canoe, kayak or bike from the island store, or picnic near the playground. The last ferry leaves the island one hour before sundown.
Park, hours & fees
- Hontoon Island State Park (Florida State Parks)
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. No fee required. Ferry service to the island runs from 8 a.m. until two hours before sundown; the last ferry leaves the island one hour before sundown.
Hours, fees and address as listed on the official page when we checked on October 28, 2026.
Food
Bring a picnic; the island has picnic tables, grills and a playground, according to the park.
Local spots
Independent local businesses near this trip. Nobody paid to be listed. Ratings are third-party Yelp figures as displayed on each business's Apple Maps listing, checked October 28, 2026; they change over time.
- Old Sugar Mill Pancake House (De Leon Springs)
Cook-your-own pancakes at the table inside De Leon Springs State Park, north of DeLand. Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; park admission is required, according to Florida State Parks. It is the park's concession restaurant.
Yelp: 4.0 stars from 776 Yelp reviews (checked October 28, 2026; source listing).
Practical tips
- Plan around the ferry: the last boat to the island is two hours before sundown.
- Blue Spring State Park is nearby (see our springs guide).
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
Getaways guides are informational. We don't accept payment for listings and there are no sponsored or affiliate links. Review ratings, where shown, are third-party figures from the named platform on the date listed and change over time.
Plan ahead, check the official page the day you go, and enjoy the trip.
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