St. Francis / Dead River Run
The St. Francis Dead River Run traverses the river of the same name, which is a major tributary of the St. Johns River. The trail passes the ghost town of St. Francis, also formerly known as “Old Town.” St. Francis was located about 20 miles south of Astor. Paddlers can see where the town used to be as pilings in the water indicate where a grand motel stood on the shores of the river.
St. Francis is one of Lake County’s 30-plus ghost towns, but quite possibly the most prolific during its heyday. A thriving port on the St. Johns River, St. Francis had its own newspaper (The Florida Facts), post office, general store, warehouse, wharves and several hundred acres of citrus. After the Big Freeze of 1894-1895, many residents abandoned the town.
Places to Stay and Things to Do Near the St. Francis / Dead River Run
St. Francis Dead River Run is about 20 miles south of Astor. The cities near that area are Altoona and Astor. Astor is known
for its guided boat tours, both for fishing and just taking in the surroundings. Sparky’s Place in Astor offers unique dining at an
affordable price. Fish Tales RV Resort located in Astor is a secluded canal front resort and boasts some of the most beautiful
views that the St. Johns River has to offer.
Area Lodging
Dining
Beans BBQ
55522 Front St., Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 516-2469
Barbecue | Outdoor Dining Available
Driving DirectionsSparky's Place
24646 State Road 40, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3551
Italian
Driving Directions
Dog House Saloon
54801 County Road 445a, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-2037
Sports Pub | Outdoor Dining Available
Driving DirectionsSterling Restaurant & Lounge
23525 State Road 40, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 759-3833
Family
Driving Directions
Fun Things to Do
Fiddler's Green Ranch Resort and Guided Trail Rides
42725 W. Altoona Road, Altoona, FL 32702
Phone: (352) 669-7111 Web site: www.fiddlersgreenranch.com
Located on the border of the Ocala National Forest, the ranch offers vacation villas and guided horseback riding adventures. From the beginner to the experienced horseback rider, you’re sure to have fun and enjoy Lake County’s natural tourism.
Driving DirectionsSt. Johns River Scenic Boat Tours
Located in Astor Florida, Astor, FL 32102
Phone: (352) 584-1255 Web site: www.stjohnsrivertours.com
Depart from historic Astor for a leisure boat tour to the many tributaries of the St. Johns River. Where you will experience exotic plant and wildlife steeped in history dating back to ancient Indian and Spanish civilizations. On your St. Johns River eco tour you will experience wildlife, alligators, bald eagles, manatees, air plants, ferns large cypress trees
and much more. Learn the history of the River from the Indians to the European and American settlers.
Driving Directions
This list is not all inclusive. For a complete list of accommodations, shopping, dining, attractions and events,
visit the Lake County Tourism website at: www.lakecountyfl.com