DELEON SPRINGS, Fla. — DeLeon Springs was once a place that many people believed produced healing waters that flowed from the ground.

The spring produces nearly 20 million gallons of water that flow from the aquifer each day, and the state park attracts over a quarter-million visitors each year, wanting to cool off in its magical waters.

Many travel to the park in Volusia County to picnic, see wildlife and walk miles of trails, but one popular attraction is the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House located on property at DeLeon Springs State Park.

Old Sugar Mill event coordinator Carlee McKinney said the mill is a destination that people travel to from around the country just to cook their own pancakes.

“It’s fun for everyone to be able to cook their own pancakes at their own table,” McKinney said.

The restaurant also offers a children's pancake class that allows youngsters 7 years old and up to learn the art and fun of making their own pancakes.

“You know, they watch mom, dad, the grown-ups in the kitchen cooking. But now, (they) get to actually be involved in the experience themselves so they have that feel in front of them,” McKinney said.

The cost is $20 per child, and each person will receive a chef’s hat and apron to take home as a memento of the event. Reservations are made through an email to carlee.mckinney@guestservices.com.

“Anyone can make a pancake. We are open 365 days, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” McKinney said.

The history of the mill-turned-restaurant dates back to 1832, when it was Florida’s first water-powered sugar mill. The current mill is a replica of the original, but some of the original brickwork and machinery behind the eatery is preserved for visitors to see. 

The springs, once labeled the “fountain of youth,” became myth, with no proof that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De Leon ever went there, but his name was a charm in attracting tourists.

Aside from making your own pancakes, DeLeon Springs offers the Fountain of Youth Eco/Heritage boat tour four times a day that takes guests on a 50-minute boat ride.

On the tour, guests see alligators, birds and other wildlife that make their home at DeLeon Springs State Park and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.

“I hope they learn about it and maybe want to protect it,” said captain Kimberly Schmidt, who has been showing off the wildlife reserve for 17 years.

Tickets are $14 dollars per person, and children under 4 can tour for free. Call 386-871-7573 to make a boat tour reservation.

The cost of boat tours and pancake classes is separate from park entrance fees. A vehicle with two to eight people can enter the park for $6. A single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle must pay $4, and pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers cost $2.