3,000+ years of Mayaca habitation.
Evidence shows people have lived along the St. Johns for over 12,000 years; the Mayaca (and their ancestors) have occupied Hontoon Island for more than 3,000 years.
Source: Florida State Parks [S52].
Hontoon Island State Park Walking Tour — Ferry, Totems, and the 3.3-Mile Hammock Trail
Quick answer: Hontoon Island State Park near DeLand, Florida is a 1,648-acre island on the St. Johns River accessible by a free passenger ferry. Its signature 3.3-mile Hammock Hiking Nature Trail ends at a shell midden topped by a giant live oak, near a replica of a 700–800-year-old wooden owl effigy totem originally excavated on-site.
Tour details
- Signature trail
- 3.3 mi Hammock Hiking Nature Trail
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy–moderate (flat, shaded)
- Access
- Free passenger ferry · cars stay on mainland
- Park fee
- State-park fee (ferry free once paid)
Location
Mainland ferry landing: 2309 River Ridge Rd, DeLand, FL 32720Hours: Mainland 8a–sundown; ferry typically 9a–5p
Get directions on Google Maps
The history of Hontoon Island
Native American heritage
Although initially considered part of the Timucua cultural region, the people who lived along the river and on Hontoon Island were the Mayaca. For more than three thousand years, the Mayaca (and before them, their ancestors) lived on this deeply forested island. Evidence shows that inhabitants have been living along the St. Johns River for over 12,000 years, with shell mounds and other artifacts on Hontoon Island proving that many Native Americans called this place home [S51, S52].
The totem discoveries
In 1955, a totem pole was discovered during dredging of the river — a massive carved owl buried in the river muck. Two more effigies — an otter and a pelican — were found in 1978. On exhibit in the park is a replica of the largest wooden effigy ever recovered from a North American archaeological site, estimated to be 700–800 years old [S51, S52, S53].
Three facts worth citing
The owl totem.
A massive carved owl effigy was discovered in 1955 during river dredging — among the largest wooden effigies ever recovered from a North American archaeological site. A replica is exhibited in the park.
Source: Florida State Parks [S51].
Free ferry access.
One of the few public island parks in Florida surrounded by fresh water and accessible via a free ferryboat.
Source: Florida State Parks [S50].
The 3.3-mile Hammock Hiking Nature Trail
The 3.3-mile Hammock Hiking Nature Trail takes you through diverse ecosystems and ends at an impressive shell midden topped with an enormous live oak tree. The network of forest roads through pine flatwoods and shady hammocks can also be hiked; a park map is recommended [S53].
Before you go
- No cars on the island — park on the mainland; take the ferry.
- No food concession. Bring water.
- Signal is limited; download a park map [S50].
- Ferry is walk-on; strollers OK; bikes allowed.
How Hontoon fits the heritage story
Hontoon is the pre-contact chapter of DeLand's timeline. The Mayaca were the last people to call this stretch of the St. Johns River home before Europeans arrived — their shell middens and carved totems are the oldest sourced artifacts in the region.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you get to Hontoon Island?
- A free passenger ferry operates during park hours from the mainland park office at 2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand. [S50]
- Is Hontoon Island free?
- The park has a standard state-park entry fee; the ferry is free once you're in the park. [S50]
- Who lived on Hontoon Island?
- The Mayaca — a Native American people who lived on the island for more than 3,000 years. They were originally grouped with the Timucua cultural region but are now recognized as a distinct group. [S52]
- What is the famous artifact from Hontoon Island?
- A massive carved wooden owl effigy totem, recovered in 1955 during river dredging. It is among the largest wooden effigies ever excavated in North America and is estimated to be 700–800 years old. A replica is exhibited in the park. [S51, S52]
- How long is the main trail at Hontoon Island?
- The signature Hammock Hiking Nature Trail is 3.3 miles. [S53]
- How far is Hontoon Island from downtown DeLand?
- About 6 miles west of downtown DeLand.