HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller July 17, 2025

Hontoon Island State Park, located in DeLand, Florida, is a 1,650-acre island in the St. Johns River.

Accessible only by boat or free park ferry, it offers a quiet escape into nature and history. Visitors can hike, kayak, fish, or camp while exploring trails and waterways.

The park features a visitor center, picnic areas, and rustic cabins, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.  

Replica of the original Mayacan owl totem
at Hontoon Island State Park

The island was home to the Mayaca Native Americans over 12,000 years ago. They left behind shell mounds, evidence of their diet of bounty from the river.

In the 1860s, settler William Hunton established a homestead, giving the island its original name, later changed to Hontoon.

After the Second Seminole War, settlers grew crops like citrus and sugarcane.

The park became a Florida State Park in the 1970s to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.  

Hontoon Island State Park is at 2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, FL 32720, six miles west of downtown DeLand off State Road 44.

The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A free ferry runs during these hours, carrying up to six people per trip. The ferry ride takes about five minutes.

No cars are allowed on the island, but bikes and pets on leashes are welcome. Kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals are available at the park store.

The 3.3-mile Hammock Hiking Nature Trail is a popular hike. Bring water, sunscreen, and a picnic, as no concessions are currently open.

Call (386) 736-5309 for ferry updates, especially after hurricanes.

• A 12-foot owl totem, carved by the Mayaca 700-800 years ago, was found near the island in 1955 and is now displayed at Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville.  

• The park’s shell mounds, built from discarded snail shells, are thousands of years old and visible along the nature trail. 

• The island’s name comes from settler William Hunton, later altered to Hontoon. 

• Kayakers can paddle a 10-mile loop around the island, passing the St. Johns River, Hontoon Dead River, and Snake Creek.  

• The park’s trails pass through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, home to wildlife like alligators, manatees, and bald eagles. 

HONTOON ISLAND STATE PARK WEBSITE