Hontoon Island State Park is a paradise for fishing, camping, hiking, boating, canoeing, picnicking and nature study. The scenery of the island varies with the elevation. Pine flatwoods occur on the higher areas, while palm/oak hammocks, cypress swamps and marshes border the St. Johns River and its tributaries. The abundant wildlife found here is as varied as the scenery and the seasons. The Park is only accessible by private boat or a passenger ferry service which operates from 8 a.m. until one hour before sundown.

The first inhabitants of the island were the Timucuan Indians. Snails gathered from the shallows of the St. Johns River were a staple food of these people. Through the years, the discarded shells accumulated to form large mounds on the island, one of which may be viewed on the park's nature trail. Replicas of 2 totems stand in the picnic area as a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of the extinct culture. In later years, the 1,650-acre island was a pioneer homestead, a boat yard, a center for commercial fishing and a cattle ranch before being purchased by the state in 1967.

• Walk the 3-mile round trip self guided trail that begins at the Ranger Station and follows Huntoon Dead River to the large Indian mound at the southwest corner of the island.
• Climb the 80-foot observation tower, located near the picnic area, for a bird's-eye view.