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Delightful Deland: The Best & Most Amusing Things To Do + Places To Visit

DeLand sits in Volusia County, Florida, and the locals call it the Athens of Florida. Stetson University has been here since 1883 and is one of the oldest in the state. The Gillespie Museum covers minerals, fossils and the wider geology of Florida. The African-American Museum of the Arts and the Museum of Art both sit downtown. This is a town that has always taken the explaining part seriously.

Planning a trip to DeLand, Florida and looking for what to do? DeLand is a small city in Volusia County, Florida, and it has plenty for visitors of all ages and interests. From the history of the city to its natural setting, DeLand covers a lot of ground.

History travelers get the historic district of DeLand, which holds well-preserved buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There is also the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, which covers the history of the Naval Air Station based in DeLand during World War II. And for the outdoors, DeLand has hiking, biking, kayaking and more.

Key Takeaways

• DeLand, Florida is a charming city located in Volusia County.
• The city offers a wide range of activities, including exploring its rich history and enjoying its natural beauty.
• Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking, or explore the city’s historic district and museums.

Historical Deland

You cannot talk about DeLand without the history. The town is full of historic landmarks and buildings that take you back. History buff or not, there is plenty to see and do in DeLand.

One of the better-known landmarks in DeLand is the Stetson Mansion. The mansion was built in 1886 by John B. Stetson, the hat maker. It is now a popular attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a guided tour and pick up its history and architecture.

For more on the history of DeLand, go to the DeLand House Museum. The building was built in 1886 and has been carefully preserved. Inside are exhibits and artifacts telling the story of DeLand as an early New England college town. It fills an afternoon and you come out knowing more.

Walking the streets of DeLand, you will notice the Victorian architecture on many buildings. The style was popular in the late 19th century and runs to ornate details and bright colors. Take a walk down North Woodland Boulevard and look at the buildings along it.

For a day that is both enjoyable and educational, Historical DeLand does the job. The Stetson Mansion through to the DeLand House Museum, there is a version of each. So put on the walking shoes and go through the history of this town.

Fun and Adventure in Deland

Looking for adventure in Deland? You are in the right place. Deland has plenty to do and plenty to see. Hiking through to kayaking, there is a version of each. Here are the things to do in Deland for anyone after some adventure:

Hiking and Nature Trails

Deland holds some of the finer hiking trails in Florida. Take the St. Francis Trail or the Clark Bay Conservation Area for wooded, scenic walking. And for something paved, go to Lake Beresford Park for a walking trail that opens out over the lake.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Take a slow paddle down the St. Johns River or work the calm waters of Hontoon Island State Park. And for something braver, there are the King Cobra and Burmese Python exhibits at the Reptile Discovery Center.

Wildlife and Nature

Deland is a good place to get close to nature. Go to the Reptile Discovery Center for the reptiles, Gopher Tortoises, King Cobras and Burmese Pythons among them. And for something slower, take the Butterfly Garden at the Volusia County Farmers Market.

Recreational Fun

Deland has plenty of recreation for the family. Take Freedom Playground for a day of play, or the Dog Park for something furrier. And for the biggest one, try skydiving at Skydive Deland.

Fishing and Water Sports

Deland has plenty for fishing and water sports. Go to Blue Springs for the fishing, or try kayaking or canoeing on the St. Johns River. And do not skip De Leon Springs State Park for the swimming and snorkeling.

With this much on in Deland, you will not be bored. Get out and see what this city has.

The Educational Journey

Who says learning cannot be enjoyable? In DeLand you can do both at once. Here are the places worth finding:

Stetson University

For a campus worth walking, Stetson University is the one. The private university dates back to 1883. Take a stroll around and look at the architecture. And you may run into the students and staff who live there.

Gillespie Museum

Science people should take the Gillespie Museum. The museum covers minerals, fossils and the other earth sciences. You can pick up the geology of Florida and beyond through interactive exhibits and displays. And there is a museum store with unusual souvenirs.

African-American Museum of the Arts

To learn about African-American history and culture, go to the African-American Museum of the Arts. The museum shows work by African-American artists from around the world. Painting and sculpture through to textiles and photography, it is all in there.

Museum of Art – DeLand

Art people will get on with the Museum of Art – DeLand. The museum holds a large collection from around the world, works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse among them. And there are exhibitions of contemporary artists and emerging talents.

Florida State University

College football people will want the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee. The university is home to the Seminoles, one of the more successful football teams in NCAA history. You can catch a game at Doak Campbell Stadium.

History buff, science reader or art lover, there is a version of each on this run through DeLand. So pack the bags, take a notebook, and go learn something.

Deland’s Natural Beauty

Deland has real natural setting, and you are about to work through it. Springs through to wildlife refuges, Deland has the range.

Start with the springs. Deland sits in Volusia County, which is known for its natural springs. The springs are a good place to cool off on a hot summer day. Take a dip in the clear water and you come out different. And the setting around the springs is worth the trip on its own.

On that note, Deland is home to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a haven for birds and you will see plenty. Lake Woodruff holds over 200 species of birds. So bird watchers should be here.

And there is more. Deland is known for its coquina rocks, made up of tiny shells and other debris. You can find them all over Deland, and they are part of the character of the city.

For history, Deland has that too. The city is often called the Athens of Florida, thanks to its history and culture. There are historic buildings and landmarks to work through, so take a walk around downtown.

And while you are downtown, stop at the Volusia County Farmers Market. There is fresh produce, handmade crafts and plenty of local character. It suits picking up a souvenir or two.

Deland also has a deep Native American history. The Timucuan Indians were the first inhabitants of the area, and you can pick up their culture and traditions at the DeLeon Springs State Park.

So there you have it. The natural side of Deland holds up. Springs through to wildlife refuges, there is plenty to see and do. Get out and see it.

You can spend a day here learning things and not notice the time going. The Gillespie Museum runs interactive exhibits on minerals, fossils and earth sciences. The Museum of Art holds works by both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. The DeLand House Museum tells the story of the early New England college town. And the Athens Theatre then runs plays, musicals and concerts in the evening.

Deland’s Social Scene

You might think Deland is a quiet town in Central Florida. You would be wrong. There is plenty on in this city, particularly the social side.

For something family-friendly, go to Bill Dreggors Park. The green space has picnic pavilions and playgrounds, which suits a day out with kids. And if you want more, rent a pontoon boat and take the nearby St. Johns River.

For something dressier, take the Athens Theatre. The historic venue runs plays, musicals and concerts. And while you are downtown, stop into Boston Coffeehouse for the coffee or Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company for a cold craft beer.

On breweries, Deland has become a destination for beer people. There is Persimmon Hollow, and there is Half Wall Beer House and Abbey Bar, both with a long selection. And for something stronger, take the annual Wine Walk run by the Mainstreet Deland Association.

But Deland is not only drinks and entertainment. The city also runs strong local restaurants, The Table among them, which serves seasonal produce and housewares, and Byte, a modern spot built around sensory experiences. And for vintage clothing or unusual gifts, take Artisan Alley.

Deland is also a short drive from Daytona Beach and Orlando, so more is always in reach. But with this much in Deland, you may not want to leave.

Endearing Wildlife

DeLand, FL is known for its natural setting and its wildlife. Graceful birds through to puppies, the range runs wide in this city. Here are the places to see the wildlife close up.

Blue Heron River Tours

Bird people should not miss the Blue Heron River Tours. The tour takes you down the St. Johns River past a range of birds, the Great Blue Heron among them. And you may spot alligators in the water. They will probably not bite.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is the one for nature people. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Spring Garden Run beside the refuge for birds and other wildlife. And watch for the black bear. They are not dangerous unless you happen to be a honey pot.

Clark Bay Conservation Area

The Clark Bay Conservation Area is 4,795 acres of conserved land and one of the stronger places to visit in DeLand, FL, particularly for nature people. Take a slow walk along the trails and look at the area. And watch for the resident rabbits and squirrels. They are cute, but they will not fit in your purse.

Puppy Love Kennels

Everyone loves puppies. At Puppy Love Kennels you can sit with them. There is a range of breeds, the Havanese and Pomeranian among them. It suits anyone who needs cheering up. Just be warned, you may end up taking one home.

Groupon Deals

For a deal on wildlife experiences in DeLand, check Groupon. They often run discounts on tours, kennels and other wildlife activities. It saves money and the day still works.

DeLand, FL is a haven for wildlife people. Birds, bears or puppies, there is a version of each. So grab the binoculars and go see the nature in this city.

Unique Features of Deland

DeLand gives you both a small town and a bit of a city. The place is known for the features that set it apart from other cities in Florida. Here are a few that make DeLand worth the trip:

Architectural Marvels

DeLand holds some of the more historic buildings in Florida. Walk the streets and look at the architecture. The Stetson Mansion through to the Athens Theater, the history of DeLand shows in its buildings.

Theater District

Theater people should be in DeLand. The Athens Theater is a historic landmark and a popular venue for plays, musicals and concerts. You can also catch a movie at the Athens Theatre Cinema or a live performance at the Shoestring Theatre.

Dreggors Park

Dreggors Park is one of the quieter finds in Deland. The park suits a picnic or a slow walk. There is tennis and basketball at the courts as well. And bring the dog, because the park is pet-friendly.

Barkley Square Dog Park

Dog people should not miss Barkley Square Dog Park. The off-leash park is built for them. You can watch your dog play with the others while you sit on a bench. And there is a separate area for small dogs.

Deland is a city with something for most people. Architecture, theater, parks or dogs, Deland has a version of each. So pack the bags and go.

General Information About Deland

DeLand is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. With a population of around 35,000, it is known for its red-brick buildings, its oaks and its Greco-Roman columns.

DeLand suits anyone after a break from the noise of a big city. The city is home to Stetson University, one of the oldest universities in Florida. The university is known for its architecture, and there are Greco-Roman columns all over the campus.

History travelers should go to the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum. The museum holds a large collection of artifacts and exhibits covering the history of the naval air station.

DeLand is also home to the Volusia County Farmers Market, where there is fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts. And try the local specialties while you are there.

The city is also known for its parks, Hontoon Island State Park among them, which suits camping, hiking and kayaking.

DeLand is a popular stop for travelers working through Florida. The city has a lot in it, and most people find something.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some free things to do in DeLand that won’t break the bank?

DeLand has plenty of free things to do. Take a walk through the DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market, look at the artwork at the DeLand Museum of Art, or hike at the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. And for something bolder, take a dip in the natural spring water at De Leon Springs State Park. Bring a swimsuit.

What’s happening in DeLand this weekend that’s worth checking out?

There is always something on in DeLand. Take the DeLand Indie Market, where there are handmade goods and vintage finds from local artisans. Or for live music, go to Cafe DaVinci for their weekly Jazz Night. And for something bolder, sign up for a ghost tour of the haunted spots in DeLand.

Are there any quirky or unique shops in downtown DeLand that are worth a visit?

You bet. Downtown DeLand is full of unusual shops. Vintage people should take the Marketplace at Rivertown, where there is everything from antique furniture to retro clothing. For something more offbeat, take the Museum of Florida Art and Culture, with artwork and artifacts from the past of Florida. And for clothes, stop by The Muse Book Shop, which does books and clothing in one place.

What are some of the best restaurants in DeLand, FL that are worth trying?

Where to start? DeLand eats well, with plenty of options. For classic Southern comfort food, go to Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things for fried chicken, mac and cheese and the rest. For something more upscale, take The Table, which does farm-to-table cooking in a warm room. And for something international, try Santorini Greek Cuisine for gyros, souvlaki and other Greek dishes.

Is the Stetson Mansion worth visiting in DeLand?

Absolutely. The Stetson Mansion is one to see in DeLand, for the architecture and the history. Built in 1886 by hat maker John B. Stetson, the mansion is now a National Historic Landmark and runs tours through the year. You get the intricate woodwork, the stained glass windows and the rest of the detail, and you pick up the Stetson family and what they did for DeLand.

How far is DeLand, FL from Daytona Beach and is it worth the trip?

DeLand sits about 20 miles west of Daytona Beach, so both are within driving distance. And it is worth the trip. Daytona Beach has the busy boardwalk and the beaches, while DeLand runs slower and has more character. The historic downtown, a hike through the nearby state parks, or just the slower pace: DeLand covers each. So get on the road and see it.

Frequently asked questions about Deland, Florida

Which museum in DeLand should anchor a full rainy afternoon?

The Museum of Art. It holds a large collection from around the world including works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, alongside exhibitions of contemporary artists and emerging talents as well. The Gillespie Museum then takes the minerals, fossils and the earth sciences. The African-American Museum of the Arts shows painting, sculpture, textiles and photography. All three of them sit indoors, which is the point when it rains.

Which DeLand park is the one for a hot summer day?

De Leon Springs State Park. The natural spring water there runs cold enough for swimming and snorkeling through the worst of the heat, and the park also carries the history of the Timucuan Indians. Lake Beresford Park has the paved walking trail and the lake views. Hontoon Island State Park then takes the camping, the hiking and the kayaking. Bring a swimsuit in summer and hiking shoes the rest of the year.

Which DeLand river trip is worth a cool clear morning?

Blue Heron River Tours. The tour runs down the river past a range of birds including the Great Blue Heron, and there are usually alligators in the water alongside the boat. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge holds over 200 separate species of bird. You can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Spring Garden Run. Go early, because the birds settle down as the day warms up.

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