Hontoon Island State Park

03/21/2026

03/16/2026

🪰✨ FIREFLY UPDATE ✨🪰

We’ll see you tonight, but unfortunately Firefly Nights are cancelled due to weather for the following dates:

• March 17, 2026
• March 18, 2026
• March 19, 2026

Fireflies are very sensitive to temperature and typically do not appear when it drops to 60°F or below, so conditions just aren’t right for viewing on these dates.

If you had tickets and would like to reschedule, please email:
📧 [email protected]

Thank you for understanding.

Learn more about Firefly Nights and the Friends of Blue Spring State Park here: https://www.friendsofbluespringstatepark.org/firefly-nights

02/03/2026

📣Join us for this month's Junior Ranger program at Hontoon Island State Park!
We'll learn how to prepare for a safe hiking adventure, then take a guided hike along one of our trails.

Arrive early to allow time to cross the river on out ferry boat.

📅Saturday, February 21st
⌚10AM-12PM
🥾Close-toed shoes
💧Don't forget your water bottle

RSVP by emailing Rachelle at [email protected]

12/31/2025

Calling all Junior Rangers! Now that winter is upon us, a beloved aquatic mammal is coming to our area in large numbers. Do you know what that animal is? Join us at Hontoon Island State Park to learn all about the magnificent manatees that use the St John's River as a crucial part of their winter migration. We will have a presentation full of fascinating facts about manatees, followed by an activity and craft!

Please arrive early to allow extra time for crossing the river on our ferry boat. Closed toed shoes, good for walking are encouraged! Bring a water bottle and picnic lunch so you can enjoy all the island has to offer, after the program ends.

RSVP to [email protected]

12/30/2025

Don’t forget! Join Ranger Adam for a hike through the diverse ecosystems at on Jan. 1st at 10am!

You’ll learn about:
🗿 the history of the Island
🐟 the St. Johns River
🌱 critters and species of the Island

📍 2309 River Ridge Road DeLand FL 32720. Bring a water bottle and close toed shoes!

12/19/2025

🥾 HIKE HONTOON ISLAND on Jan 1st with Ranger Adam for ! Be sure to RSVP to [email protected]!

11/10/2025

This one’s going to be a blast!! Mark your calendars for the next Junior Ranger Program at Hontoon Island State Park — it’s time to go dip netting! Join park rangers to explore the shoreline and discover the critters that call the St. Johns River home.

📍2309 River Ridge Road DeLand FL 32720
🕑 10AM-12PM
🎟️ Event and park entrance is FREE!

10/27/2025

There were a bunch of critters out and about on the island today, but this snapping turtle stole the show 🐢 They usually hang out in the water, so seeing one on land was such a treat!

Check out that camouflage!

10/01/2025

JUNIOR RANGERS: Don’t miss a live prescribed fire demo at Hontoon Island State Park! Learn from the pros how fire helps plants, animals, and communities in Florida 🌿🔥

📍 2309 River Ridge Road DeLand FL 32720
📆 Saturday Oct. 25th
🕐 10AM-12PM
✅ RSVP to [email protected]

09/26/2025

SAVE THIS iNaturalist link for the BioBlitz tomorrow!

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/hontoon-island-bioblitz-2025