Paddle a canoe or kayak down Spring Garden Run into the Woodruff Federal Wildlife Refuge. The 19,500 acre refuge boasts an incredible 212 species of birds, many of which may be seen along the Run. Alligators abound and the occasional manatee may wonder by.

Swim in the refreshing 72 degree waters of our spring fed pool. Legend has it that this is Ponce De Leon's fabled Fountain of Youth. Tube rentals are also available for use in the Spring Pool area.

Walk the nature trail or explore the Wild Persimmon hiking trail as it winds along the edge of the swamp.

Stroll the grounds or simply sit on a bench and watch the herons, egrets and osprey along the spring run.

Ride the Fountain of Youth Echo History Tour Boat and let Captain Frank fill you in on the history, flora and fauna of our area. Watch closely and you're sure to see wildlife along Spring Garden Run. Tour boat excursions into the Woodruff Refuge on Spring Garden Road available at 11pm and 1pm everyday except Sunday.

Additional History -

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill , sits beside the spring named for the legendary explorer Ponce DeLeon.
Originally constructed to crush sugar cane utilizing the power of the 16 – 18 million gallons of water flowing from the spring daily, the mill boasts a 100 ft. undershot waterwheel. The actual construction date of the mill is a source of much debate.

A chimney which remains on the site was part of the original sugar mill operation displays a DAR plaque proclaiming the date of 1570 as the year of mill construction. Florida historians and archaeologists disagree and feel that evidence would better support an early 1800's construction.

The mill was destroyed at least twice and possible three times over the years. Again, historians are not in agreement. It is known that the was destroyed during the Second Seminole War (1835 – 42) and again during the fighting of the Civil War when the mill was being used to grind corn for the confederate troops.

Legend tells of mill stones being thrown into the spring although none have ever been recovered. In 1961 the mill was again scheduled for destruction. Just an old building to many, Peter Schwarze felt quite differently.

A fifth generation grist miller newly arrived in Florida, Peter saw a treasure that must be saved. He arranged to lease and restore the mill, moved his wife and daughter to the “Fountain of Youth' and began once again grinding flour in the mill building. His gristmill was of his own design, an adjustable underrunner mill with small French buhr stones that was electrically powered.

The setting was perfect and the restaurant and bakery utilizing his flours began. The park in which the mill is situated and the mill building itself are now owned by the state of Florida and are part of the Florida State Park system.