Since 1904, St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park has both scandalized and entertained native Floridians and tourists alike.
One of the best examples of the pioneer days of Florida tourism still in operation, the Fountain of Youth is the brainchild of Luella Day “Diamond Lil” McConnell.
McConnell designed and built the current attraction, fabricated wild stories that are the stuff of the park’s legends and then ran the place until her death in 1927.
The Fountain of Youth was and is a big deal, even though there is absolutely no evidence that the sulfur springs on the property – the one you go to drink from – is the spring that Ponce de Leon discovered.
From tacky tableaux with wax figures depicting the conquistadors greeting the local Indians to live-action historical re-enactments of Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founding St. Augustine, you’ll be equal parts appalled and delighted by one of St. Augustine’s oldest and best versions of History-With-A-Capital-H.
Be bold this Valentines Day
No matter where you are in GR8RJax™, you’re not much more than about 60 miles and an hour away from the Fountain of Youth.
Here’s how to budget your very, very GR8RJax™ Valentines date:
- Gas money: $7-$10, depending on where you and your car’s mileage
- Admission: St. John's County Residents FREE with individual ID. Other Adults-$12.00, Seniors (over 60)-$11.00, Kids 6-12-$8.00, Kids under six FREE. Prices include all exhibits and FREE parking. Discounts to Active Military & AAA members with ID.
- Amenities: Ample parking for vans, buses and campers of all sizes. Picnic Area/Snack Bar – Two picnic areas & a snack bar offers delicious lunches, cool drinks and snacks.Restrooms – Located adjacent to our parking lot for your convenience.
About the Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park
Part archaeological excavation and old-style amusement park, the Fountain of Youth is the closet you’ll come to the actual site where Menéndez founded the Old City in 1565.
Any day is a good day to tour the park, which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m seven days a week.
After you drink from the legendary fountain, explore the Timucuan Native Indian village, watch sky shows in the planetarium and walk the 15 acres of waterfront history, including the new 600-foot-long observation platform over the salt marshes.
Add to this the Discovery Globe that maps the routes of Spanish exploration and the live cannon fire, and the for pure entertainment value the Fountain of Youth is hard to pass up.
St. Augustine Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park
- 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Contact: John Stavely, Adelantado of Legendary Operations & All Things Historical
- Phone: 800-356-8222 | 904-829-3168
- Fax: 904-829-1529
- Email: fountain@aug.com | veryhoppy@gmail.com
www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/index.php
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OFFICIAL BIO: K Truitt is a second-generation, native Floridian born in Jacksonville. Truitt worked in public higher education for 25 years, most recently in Texas, is a successful grant writer, knows newspaper publishing, printing and graphic design and wants to work in the public sector. Contact: kt.4examiner@yahoo.com
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