I found Gemini Springs Park in DeBary on Google Maps for a discover a new park day, so stopped in. It's huge, with 212 acres and 2 springs! You can hike the trails, kayak on the St. John's River, or fish in Lake Monroe or off the pier. Plenty of parking, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a cool playground for the kids. Even dogs have their own park! Plus, there are primitive camping sites available. It felt super clean and safe, and parking was easy. read more

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Gemini Springs Park is located in DeBary, Florida, 25 miles north of Orlando. Since you can no longer swim here due to high concentrations of bacteria in the waters, visitor attendance can be quite low. And since there's alternative parks situated throughout Central Florida that are swimmable, not many people will make the effort to experience Gemini Springs. In fact, I'd categorize this place as a local town park more than anything. It's free to visit and hours are sunrise to sunset. There were no names or signs for the hiking trails, so at times it felt like I was wandering aimlessly. But, the trees decorated with Spanish Moss exuded southern charm and most corners I turned felt like strolling along a nature trail. There's a dual sided passageway that acts as the centerpiece to the park and is also a dam spillway which (I believe) separates the DeBary Creek waters and the Gemini Springs area. I did spot a gator which almost caught a fish right in front of my eyes. I also noticed a soft shell turtle who appeared to be laying her eggs in the sand and some birds doing fishing of their own. Gemini Springs has picnic pavilions, a playground, a dog park, a fishing pier, plenty of grass to play around, and even camping is permitted here. Lastly, I'd like to highlight a section of the park that turns colorfully vibrant when the sun is shining... - Follow the concrete walkway (which you can't miss). - Then...you'll approach a tucked away corner of the springs. This area can be a rewarding moment for admiring the great outdoors. If you just pause and absorb the surroundings, nature's beauty shines through. It's a refreshing reminder that just because a park isn't as accessible as it once was, doesn't mean it should go unnoticed. I believe Gemini Springs Park can be a worthwhile half day visit. read more

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Such a beautiful park. It has trails, a play park for kids, two springs, a large dog park, pavilions, bathrooms, a fishing Pier, a bridge over the water. It has the Spring House, which is available for rent. People have events there, even weddings. The bathrooms are basic. They need new picnic benches. Some of the wooden bridges need repair. Bring your own water. read more

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Gemini Springs is a 210 acre nature park. The land was purchased in 1994 through the combined efforts of Volusia County, the Trust for Public Lands, the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Communities Trust. Approximately 6.5 million gallons of sparkling fresh water bubble up from the two springs each day flowing into Lake Monroe and the St. John's River. The park officially opened on October 27, 1996. Gemini Springs is between DeBary and the town of Enterprise, which was a busy center of commerce and government in the early pioneer days of Florida. In the 1800's people came to the area to farm timber and citrus and they tapped longleaf pine trees for turpentine. John H. Padgett, who bought this land around the turn of the century, is believed to have built the two story farmhouse, barn, dam and reservoir, and arched bridge that are still in the park today. The Padgett family raised cattle and grew sugar cane. They operated a cane press and sold sugar juice to passengers on the trains as they passed by on the railroad to Enterprise. The last private owners of this land were cattle rancher Saundra and her attorney husband Charles Gray who purchased 160 acres in 1969 that they called Gemini Springs Farms. They moved their cattle ranching enterprise from Osceola County to their new property and raised prize-winning Santa Gertrudis cattle. Later they purchased the adjoining property. The Gray's left most of the land in a natural state but they did build the stone barbeque building and the Spring House. The Grays agreed to sell the land so that it could be turned into a public park after they faced criticism from environmentalists for making a deal with a developer to build condominiums. Today Gemini Springs has a 3/4 of a mile long nature trail, one mile loop bicycle trail, dog park, campground, playground, canoe launch, picnic area, and fishing pier. People who want to fish must have freshwater fishing permit. The park is also the first link in the Lake Monroe-Gemini Springs-DeBary Hall trail. The Spring to Spring Trail is so named because the 6.6 mile trail links a number of state and county parks that contain springs. Swimming has been prohibited at Gemini Springs since the Labor Day 2000 due to high levels of bacteria in the water. Ever since the swimming area closed, park admission has been free. Despite not being able to swim, Gemini Springs is still well worth a visit. I enjoyed walking the trail around the springs and saw a few baby alligators, a red-shouldered hawk, and a Great Blue Heron. Gemini Springs showcases the real Florida beautifully. read more

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Gemini springs is a gem. It's beautifully maintained and less crowded than some of the other springs in the area. I've visited a few times, but walked on the trail on my most recent visit. It's goes for miles. Lots of different paths. Some of the signs could be more clear, especially when you're walking through the woodsy areas. The signs are pretty vague and say things like trail head, but no further information regarding distance or direction. Definitely drop a pin if you'll be walking anywhere other than the paved path. read more

Gemini Springs Park - Parks Near Me - Debary, Florida

Gemini Springs Park holds such a special kind of charm. After the last hurricane, it took a while for the park to recover--but it's still absolutely beautiful and full of life. Whether you're here to camp, grill out with family, or just take a peaceful walk around the lake with your dog, this park delivers. The trails are serene, the trees offer plenty of shade, and the energy feels calm and healing. It's a great spot to slow down, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time with loved ones. So grateful spaces like this still exist--resilient, welcoming, and full of soul. read more

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This could be a state park. This park has a spacious area for playing ball with many picnic tables and pavilions for group gatherings. Miles of shady hammock trails with old live oaks and a beautiful water view satisfy the nature lover. We saw a couple of little alligators hanging out at the spring head too. The bike trail goes right through the park too. All in all, a lovely afternoon. read more

Gemini Springs Park - Alligator - Parks Near Me - Debary, Florida

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Had a great morning fishing and as I was leaving I ran across this little guy he scared me at first but turned out to be docile.. read more

Gemini Springs Park - Ran into this little guy, he was a snake but he didn't bite me.. - Parks Near Me - Debary, Florida

Absolutely awesome! Wow am I surprised at how sweet this place is! My bestie is down from NJ so we always go to Lake Apopka Wildlife Trail that never fails to amaze but we love to try other places. Yesterday we went to Mead Botanical Gardens and left saddened that it did not live up to the hype. We stopped at Bill Fredrick Park that redeemed the day. Today we are headed to the Latern Festival so stalked the birder website and came up with Gemini Springs. This is our home run of the parks. Clean, well maintained, so many benches, picnic tables, garbage receptacles, birds, the springs have so many fish, turtles, etc that although this was our first time here, it will now be on our must revisit list every time my bestie is here. Lots of family's having events. Great dog park. So many little berries along the paths. Orange trees scattered in - definitely Heaven On Earth for the wildlife! read more

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We wanted to take our dog for a nice nature walk.We decided to take a trip to Gemini Springs Park. The park is filled with big oversized oak trees as far as the eye can see.There are restrooms, picnic tables and even outdoor grills. There were people hiking, sitting on benches, kids on the playground and numerous individuals fishing on the water.We saw fish, turtles and a wide variety of birds.This calming oasis is in the heart of Volusia County - and it's FREE of charge! I encourage everyone to take a trip out here to spend time within nature. read more

This park has got it all! Dog park (check), scenic trails (check), natural spring (check), insta worthy spots (looks around, nods approvingly, check). This is one seriously underrated Orlando gem, it's a Volusia County park, totally free and just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando. It's my go to for dog parks, it has a large completely enclosed off leash park with a large wooded area and tall oak trees providing shade all over. A little dog wash station is right outside. The "Springs to Springs" runs through the park, so afterwards we always walk a small section of it that runs next to the spring (less than 1 mile). You can't swim but it's nice to look at. There's also a building right on the lake you can rent out for events for cheap, even if you're not interested, walk by, it's a great photo spot. read more

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This is a beautiful, serene, tranquil park. The springs are wonderful, with several bridges and viewing areas. There are benches all around, as well as a few pavilions and picnicareas. We were delighted to see a Carolina wren almost immediately on one of the several trails. Also saw a lot of hawks. There are two camping areas, one for tents and one has cabins. There is also the Smoke house or the Spring house, they aren't marked which is which, with a big room and kitchenette for large gatherings. read more

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First! AMAZING!!!! Yes, I'm up at 0200 because it's cold in the tent! :)))) The long johns are doubled!!! Lolol... body heat is a must during this time. But so nice not to have mosquitos!! The campsite is very clean. Bathrooms very clean. The setting up is always a hassle but man so nice just to relax after! The fire pit was amazing & it's nice to mingle with other campers too. The grilling was on point! My loaded salad is always a win win!! :))) DELISHHHHH!!!! So was my churrasco.... I can still taste it! What is nice is being able to walk the food in the park. Very relaxing & so needed! We brought sleeping bags and the tent was a win. Love everything about this park. Scenic trails, springs, and so so relaxing. I was able to get some reading done. We played some board games & were even able to nap. No phone or internet to escape the world!!!! If you get here early enough you are able to enjoy all the activities at the park. The plan was to camp one night then head to Clearwater Saturday. :))) we can't complain about anything at this park. It's a definite must try if you want to enjoy a nice night out under the stars.... Then this is your place to try.... Would definitely return.. when it's warmer tho! Hahaha... :)))) read more

It's a great park for casually strolling around or having a picnic with the family. Clean bathrooms, water fountains, and plenty of parking. You can walk around the spring in about 15 minutes while looking at the beautiful nature. I run there a lot and there are many hidden trails in the forest if you're brave :) read more

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Plenty of parking! Bike trails and hiking trails! Kids playground! Dog park! They have a very detailed map by the playground that shows paved and unpaved trails and roads. There is also camping here! A small, hidden gem in Volusia County read more

Gemini Springs Park - Map - Parks Near Me - Debary, Florida

A nice place to leave civilization and the stress that is associated with life in this modern world, if only for awhile. I walked through the park, enjoying the simple beauty of nature and the company of my thoughts. We need parks like this, a place to escape the asphalt and steel that we have created for the grandeur of nature. I recommend a visit to this oasis of nature. read more

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Love this park! I have been coming here since I was a young girl. Large and peaceful park. With covered kids zone, pavilions that you can rent. Lots of picnic tables and benches. Camping area. Dog friendly. Large Dog Park for large and small dogs. Fishing area. Canoe launch. Walking path, paved and also non-paved through woods. Bike path. Nice clean bathrooms, water fountains Coke machine. No swimming. Bacteria in water. Sad face! I used to swim here when I was a little girl it was awesome! But I love this park it's so peaceful and a great place to find yourself and have a picnic and just lay in the grass and smile. A must see in DeBary Florida! read more

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I love coming here, it's a true little gem. We take our dogs here for walks and to work on obedience training, my sibling rides a bike around all the nature trails, there are pavilions you can rent, and restrooms in case you gotta go! There's also playgrounds and wide open green space, as well as fenced in dog parks if that's more your speed. I can always find a shady parking spot and space to spread out to enjoy the beautiful weather. read more

This is a really pretty park that is worth spending some time at. Here at Gemini Springs, there is a dog park, multiple pavilions available for rent, spacious areas you can have a relaxing picnic at or run around with a soccer ball. There is also a dog park! There is an area for dogs under 25lbs and the other side is for the larger dogs. I highly recommend coming to visit to just take a peaceful stroll around the water. read more

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Clean bathrooms. Lovely sceneries. Simple, quiet and peaceful, just what I need at times read more

Great space to spend a sunny afternoon. We fished off the pier, the view was fantastic. Bathrooms were immaculately clean, I've never seen such clean bathroom in a free park! There are several hidden spots for relax, but fishing is restricted to the pier. read more

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Fun park to picnic the grills are usually clean and the space is nice to relax on a family picnic. They have biking and walking trails and beautiful scenery. I have even fished here before with my son during cub/boy scouts. Lots of space and great to throw a ball and just unwind. read more

Probably one of the prettiest parks in the area. It has a little bit of everything, a giant field that's perfect for frisbee, trails that are paved and handicapped accessible, trails that take you through a nice canopy, beautiful water views, trails along the water and clean restrooms. This is a wonderful place to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some nature. We plan to definitely go back and do some more of the wooded trails read more

I hadn't been here since I was a child. I loved walking off of the grid and just enjoying the nature around me. Lots of beautiful old oaks teaming with life. Walking paths on wood and dirt paths. No swimming allowed but I did see people fishing close to the river. The springs are small but little Marvel's pumping fresh water up from the earth. Squirrels, owls, etc There is also pavilions, dog park, camping and more. read more

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Great place to camp! There is plenty of walking trails. We had a picnic here it was perfect.

Been going here for years, the fishing area is not as big as it used to be but it is a perfect park for family events, nature walk or bike and they have great facilities and children play ground area and two dog parks... it's pretty legit for pictures for cars or weddings too read more

Amazing location for walking / bike riding and events. Great place to spend the day on a picnic or host corporate and family events.

Beautiful place. We went around sunrise and it was tranquil. There's a few walking trails we didn't get to do but they looked well kept. Not a place to spend the whole day but definitely a nice place to stop. You cannot swim in this spring, which is perfect be used we saw a small gator while we were there! Haha read more

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This place is gorgeous! So much wildlife and beautiful natural springs, hard to find in Florida... we drove about 45 mins to get here and we felt it was definitely worth it. Parking was also FREE! There were plenty of areas and trails to walk around as well as some picnic tables. Enjoy! read more

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Our favorite park! Playground is great for children of all ages. The nature walk is absolutely beautiful with all the Florida foliage and wildlife. There are many little picnic areas where we love to stop and snack. This is by far our favorite place to go as a family with young kids! read more

It's great for family time, parties at the pavilion, and meandering about in nature. Most of all though, I love walking the trails of Gemini!! Peaceful place to walk some miles enjoying the view and sounds of nature and see all kinds of wildlife. read more

Great place to take the family. Bike trails for jogging or riding. Closed in per playground. Kiddie playground. Lots of room to have a picnic or group gathering with bbq grills and restrooms. Best part is it's free to park and enter! read more

I had a great time and fun place for everyone to enjoy the views of all kinds would go back again

What a pleasant surprise Gemini Springs was! We rode our bikes into the park from Lake Monroe Park 2.5 miles to the south. The multi-use trail between the two is a gorgeous ride through oak canopies, boardwalk, and open scrub. Once in the park we were surprised at how large it was. There is a dog park, playground, open grassy area, fishing pier, hiking/biking and of course the water. The water in the pond was as smooth as glass and so clear you could see the bottom. Turtles and large fish were everywhere as well as one large gator and a few smaller ones. The two springs were not large but still very lovely. We spent a few hours here exploring. I definitely recommend stopping by! read more

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I love Gemini Spring Park it's beautiful, green, relaxing and just nice for the family. I love to go here and just sit and enjoy nature.

Fun place to take out of state guests. The best part its free. Will definately return.

It is a beautiful park. Can fish, hike, and bike. There is also a dog park. Pleanty of picnic areas. read more

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This was our first visit to Gemini Springs Park it's another beautiful park in a string of green space preserves filled with fresh water springs bubbling up from the shallow aquifer in the area. The park is well maintained with plenty of clean restrooms, pavilions and numerous walking trails circling the small ponds located throughout the park. The crystal clear waters continuously flow providing the perfect habitat to host an abundances of wildlife that call this park home, although today's visit was void of any alligator sightings we were treated to plenty of marine birds, squirrels, turtles, and many schools of fish navigating the shallow waters. Although the swimming area was closed due to the level of bacteria in the water it's apparent this once was paradise for kids in cut-offs to cool off. I don't know if this is a permanent closure but I assume it is with all the recent press of the scary bug known Naegleria fowleri the brain eating amoebas that loves warm untreated fresh water, it's discovery years ago has ruined so many of these natural public swimming areas because of the liability I assume, although the chances of coming in contact with these tiny zombie like amoebas stalking your skull is astronomical (in the past ten years only 35 cases were reported in all of the U.S.) it seems like a reasonable risk to me to have a little fun. All the evidence is still intact showing what must have been a wonderful swimming hole years ago with the aging concrete and wooden steps leading down into the water. It's funny how so many of the things a lot of us enjoyed as kids is forbidden now, I'm all about having the knowledge just against all the media hype that creates paranoia that eliminates personal choice. I guess drinking water out of the garden hose in the backyard is out of the question also? read more

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Great pit stop in between Daytona and Orlando! Plenty of free parking and great walking trails throughout the park. Just look out for alligators near the water! read more

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What can I say, I freakin' love Gemini. For starters, there is a HUGE fenced in dog park. I have two very energetic dogs who love going there, as they are able to run like the wind. Some dog parks are so small the dogs can't even really run around without colliding in to each other. Not here! However, I will caution you to not come in any clothes or shoes that you want to keep clean...it's pretty much pure dirt/sand in the dog park. Even times when I stayed off to the corner and sat on a bench I still managed to come home with sand filled shoes and slobbery pants. And for those that have non-furry children, there is a giant grassy area with a nice sized playground off to the side. It's the perfect place to bring a blanket, picnic basket and soccer ball and veg out for the day. There are also several different pavilion areas that you can rent out for parties. And let's not forget the springs. Although you can't swim here anymore, there are docks that overlook the water. It's a perfect for nature watching...plenty of fish and birds. I even saw a baby gator swim by one time. But perhaps my favorite part of Gemini are all the walking trails. Great for a jog or bike ride, and oh so fun to just explore. Some of the trails are covered with big, old oak trees that are draped in Spanish moss. It's some of the most beautiful Florida scenery I've seen. It feels like you're walking through an enchanted forest...seriously, I'm always expecting a hobbit or some kind of fairy to pop out at any moment! If you're looking for something to do outdoors on one of those perfect Florida days, I recommend checking out Gemini. read more