Have you ever been to Hontoon Island? It's a great island that is located at 2309 River Ridge Road in DeLand, on the St. John's River. You can take a short free ferry ride over to the island. Once you get there you will find picnic tables, a children's playground, small (but cool) museum of the area, camping, and hiking. It's a great place for the whole family to check out!

At Hontoon Island you will find a 3-mile round trip hike that leads back to a big midden (a Native American shell mound). You will actually walk up that mound and be on top of it, as it runs along the river. My kids are 6.5 and 8.5 and they did the 3-mile round trip hike without any problems. We did stop periodically along the way for observation, drinks, and to take a break once we reached the top of the mound.

It's a great hike back to the midden. At the end of the trail you will find a bench that lets you know that it is the end. To the right of it is a massive live oak tree (very cool!). Then it's time to turn around and make the trek back. Be sure to take water, wear sunscreen, and dress appropriately. You can stop in the ranger station before getting started so you can get a map, but there is only one trail, so you shouldn't have any problems finding it or your way back. You could also take your bikes and ride the unpaved (but firmly packed) service roads there.

Hontoon Island also offers camping. They have tent camping, as well as camping in rustic cabins. I took a look inside one of the cabins. It offers bunk beds, an overhead light, and a ceiling fan. There is also a screened in front porch. We have booked a night to stay there this month, so I will write a post just on that experience after we do it.

The trail at Hontoon Island that leads back to the midden is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. However, there are service roads that are cleared and may be suitable for biking, wheelchairs, and strollers. You could take a nice walk on those (they get very few ranger vehicles come by), but you wouldn't be able to go all the way back to the midden with a wheelchair, bike, or stroller.

Your whole family can visit Hontoon Island. It is free to go (you do pay to camp there). Take a pinic, take a hike, and consider camping there. Very cool place! You can learn more about Hontoon Island and find directions here.

Here are some pictures from Hontoon Island: