Hontoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park is a paradise for fishing, camping, hiking, boating, canoeing,
picnicking and nature study.
Activities
A bird's-eye view may be enjoyed from an eighty-foot observation tower located near the
picnic area.
A 3-mile round trip self guided trail begins at
the Ranger Station and follows Huntoon Dead River to the large Indian mound at the
southwest corner of the island. Allow 2 1/2 hours for a leisurely walk.
The picnic area includes playground equipment,
picnic tables, cooking grills, and a restroom which overlooks the St. Johns River.
Fishing is permitted from the banks of the island.
Largemouth bass may be caught on artificial bait or live shiners. Most bluegills and
shellcrackers are caught with earthworms and crickets, but may also be taken on small
artificial topwater bugs. Small live minnows are the best bait for speckled perch. Channel
cats are often caught on earthworms sunk to the bottom along the main river channel. A Florida freshwater fishing license
is required for persons 16 years of age or older.
If you bring your own bike,
there are approximately 5 miles of service
roads to ride on.
History
The first inhabitants of the island were the Timucuan Indians. Snails gathered
from the shallows of the St. Johns River were a staple food of these people. Through the
years, the discarded shells accumulated to form large mounds on the island, one of which
may be viewed on the park's nature trail. Three remarkable artifacts have been found in
the vicinity of Hontoon Island. A large owl totem, carved from a log and two smaller
carvings of wood, one of an otter holding a fish and the other of a bird which is
apparently a pelican. Replicas of two of the totems stand in the picnic area as a tribute
to the artistry and craftsmanship of the extinct culture.
In later years, the 1,650-acre
island was a pioneer homestead, a boat yard, a center for commercial fishing and a cattle
ranch before being purchased by the state in 1967.
Location
Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road
Deland, Florida 32720
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Map |
Hontoon Island is located six miles
west of Deland, off S.R. 44 and is only accessible by private boat or a passenger
ferry service which operates from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. A parking
area is provided on the mainland.
For more information
(386) 736-5309
© Copyright 2001
Volusia County
Government
