Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.
3rd Edition by Joe Follman and Richard Buchanan

Gemini Springs

Volusia County

Summary of Features

  • Scale -combined 1st magnitude
  • Scenery -fine
  • How Pristine? -park setting with paths and swim area
  • Swimming -very good
  • Protection -excellent
  • Crowds -can be heavy on warm weekends
  • Access -excellent
  • Facilities -fine
  • Safety -fine
  • Scuba -no
  • Cost -free


Directions

Address and phone: 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL 32713

From Interstate 4, take Enterprise Road exit at DeBary. Go west on Enterprise Road a short distance (mile or two?) to the entrance to Gemini Springs Park.

Google maps link

Spring Description

Gemini Springs consists of three springs within a short distance (about 120 feet) of each other on the north rim of Lake Monroe in SW Volusia County. The springs have similar characteristics--all form circular or semicircular pools at the base of banks (limestone, clay, and dirt) 6-10 feet high. Land continues to rise from the spring banks to the park's parking area. The pools range in diameter from 6-15 feet. All have clear and bluish if somewhat dark water, with brownish algae on the bottom and leaves or pollen-like material on the surface. The smallest spring has a strong boil, and the larger springs have mild slicks on the surface. The two larger springs appeared to be about 10 feet deep, but the depth of the small spring could not be determined visually. Land around the springs is lush and semitropical terrain of hardwoods and palmettos.

The springs are in a line, and their three runs join and flow eastward a short distance (only about 20 feet from where the three runs combine) to a manmade swim area/reservoir with dimensions of 100 by 150 yards in diameter on the edge of Lake Monroe. Water flows over a weir/waterfall into Lake Monroe.

According to Rosenau et al. (1977, pp. 396-7), the small spring was originally just a seep that was deepened by a well 100 feet deep. Hydrostatic pressure caused the well to flow, creating what looks like a natural spring today. All three springs have relatively high salt content.

Use/Access

Personal Impressions

The park is a nice recreational and "spring-watching" site and is well worth a visit. The springs are attractive and in a natural state. The boardwalks provide nice viewing. Gemini is only about 5 minutes off the Interstate.

Springiana

From the park web site:

The 210-acre Gemini Springs 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. . . . The land passed through several hands before it was purchased by its last private owners, Saundra and Charles Gray, in 1969.

Farming operations at Gemini Springs in the 1800s included timber, citrus and tapping longleaf pine trees for turpentine. John H. Padgett, who bought the land around the turn of the century, is believed to have built the two-story farmhouse and barn we see today. The Padgett family raised cattle and grew sugar cane . . .

The Gray family gave Gemini Springs its name and raised . . . cattle on the property. Under their ownership, the earthen dam and reservoir were built, along with the arched bridges, the stone barbeque building and the Spring House.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features