Native Americans visited and used these springs as long ago as 6,000 years. Legend and folklore claim Juan Ponce de Leon sought and discovered the mythical Fountain of Youth at DeLeon Springs, though no historical record or archaeological evidence supports this.

In the early 1800s, settlers built sugar and cotton plantations that were burned by Seminole Indians in the 1830s during the Second Seminole War. Exhibits in the visitor center describe the history of the area, and tours of Spring Garden Creek are available.

Information provided by Florida Department of State.