Top 15 Attractions and Activities in DeLand, Florida

The baking soda manufacturer, Henry Addison DeLand (1834-1908), established this charming city in 1882. He also founded Stetson University here, intending for DeLand to become the Athens of Florida.

This nickname has persisted into the 21st century, and it remains an apt description. Stetson University features a picturesque campus, situated just a few blocks north of one of Florida’s most beautiful and vibrant downtowns.

If the name Stetson is familiar, it is associated with the hats. John B. Stetson, the hatter, was a friend of DeLand and spent winters here. He was a benefactor of the university and constructed one of Florida’s finest Victorian mansions within the city.

1. Downtown DeLand

Downtown DeLand exemplifies a thriving central business district in a small town, praised as a model of success since the 1980s.

All elements are present, from historic architecture to community events such as a farmers’ market on Friday evenings.

The Downtown DeLand historic district boasts nearly 70 buildings. The charming painted brick storefronts and elegant awnings enhance its allure.

Several blocks of N Woodland Boulevard feature specialty boutiques, antique shops, museums, and restaurants offering a diverse range of cuisines.

Craving bagels, Thai cuisine, frozen yogurt, pho, brick-oven pizza, gyros, or tapas? You will find all those options here.

2. Stetson Mansion

Source: Stetson Mansion Tours / Facebook

Known as The House That Hats Built, the Stetson Mansion (1886) served as the winter residence for John B. Stetson (1830-1906), the innovator of the cowboy hat. He could also be considered the first snowbird.

This mansion is a magnificent monument to the Gilded Age and is the largest and most luxurious residence built in Florida before 1900. Throughout its history, it has hosted numerous national and international dignitaries, including European royalty.

The ingenuity of this structure is astounding; the Stetson Mansion was Florida’s first residence equipped with electricity and featured a call bell system and steam heat. Among its lavish fixtures are 1,000 panes of antique glass and 16 different parquet wood patterns.

This property remains a private residence and is accessible only through guided tours, available from November to April.

3. Stetson University

A short walk north of downtown DeLand leads to Stetson University. For many, the campus can be described as a New England university transplanted to Central Florida, replacing the typical maples and beeches with live oaks and palms.

A visit is worthwhile, whether on a guided tour or exploring independently. Visitors will discover the oldest ensemble of educational buildings in the state, which has been designated as a historic district.

Among the ten significant structures on campus is DeLand Hall (c. 1884), Florida’s oldest surviving building still in use for higher education.

Consider allocating time to visit The Gillespie Museum, dedicated to natural history, which houses one of the most significant historic mineral collections in the Southeast.

4. De León Springs State Park

DeLand is located in an area of Florida rich in natural springs emerging at nearly every turn. One of the most scenic springs is just 15 minutes from downtown.

This spring is not, however, the legendary Fountain of Youth; the park was named after Ponce de León as a tourism strategy in the 1880s.

Nonetheless, De León Springs State Park is remarkable, boasting over 6,000 years of human habitation. The spring water rises at a rate exceeding 20 million gallons daily, maintaining a temperature of 72°F throughout the year. During winter, manatees migrate inland to inhabit these waters.

On a warm summer day, visitors can cool off in the swimming hole and hike through enchanting subtropical woods filled with ancient bald cypress trees. Pontoon boat tours are available for those seeking a guided experience, or guests can independently rent kayaks or paddle boats.

5. DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts

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On the weekend preceding Thanksgiving, one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated arts exhibitions transforms downtown DeLand.

Initially held in 1992, the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts showcases nearly 200 juried artists from across the country. Attendees can browse and acquire art across a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, printmaking, glasswork, and woodworking.

Personally, I find it rewarding to engage with these artists and discover the inspiration behind their work. The festival also offers an abundance of food, beverages, and entertainment to complement the outstanding artwork, all situated in an award-winning downtown environment.

6. Museum of Art – DeLand

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This museum is managed by a not-for-profit organization committed to introducing world-class contemporary art to the community.

Established in 1951, the museum features rotating exhibitions, educational programming, presentations, artists’ workshops, and a diverse range of events.

Typically, two concurrent exhibitions run for approximately three months. Recently showcased artists with international acclaim include Roberto Matta, Clyde Butcher, John Mellencamp, and Sandro Chia.

One notable event during my visit was a poetry competition, where writers created original works inspired by one of 40 pieces in the museum’s permanent collection.

7. The Reptile Discovery Center

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Assuming a lack of discomfort around reptiles, this is an excellent location to spend a few hours away from the sun. The Reptile Discovery Center provides a unique opportunity to observe a variety of snakes and lizards in a secure environment.

The residents of the center include some notorious yet misunderstood snakes, such as Burmese pythons and king cobras, recognized as the world’s largest venomous serpents. During my visit, I encountered newcomers, including a taipan and a rare white rattlesnake.

The center offers regularly scheduled live venom extraction demonstrations and features an outdoor trail showcasing alligators, lizards, and tortoises.

8. DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

Source: DeLand Naval Air Station Museum / Facebook

During World War II, DeLand Naval Air Station served as an advanced training facility from 1942 to 1946.

Following the war, the station resumed its civilian aviation role, while its military heritage has been meticulously preserved. The museum located on-site now honors this history.

The museum features a diverse array of exhibits comprising equipment, photographs, uniforms, and other memorabilia. A particular highlight is the small collection of historic aircraft.

While most of these aircraft postdate the operational era of the air station, they remain captivating. Among the collection, you will find a WWII-era Avenger torpedo bomber, an F-14 Tomcat (popularized by the film Top Gun), and an H-13 Sioux MASH helicopter from the Korean War.

9. The Volusia County Fair and Youth Show

Source: Volusia County Fair & Youth Show / FacebookVolusia County Fair and Youth Show

The Volusia County Fairgrounds, located on the eastern side of the city, host events year-round. The fair itself spans ten days at the beginning of November, attracting attendees from across Florida.

Dating back to 1923, this tradition remains centered on agriculture, showcasing a variety of youth-oriented livestock competitions and demonstrations. Residents of Volusia County can participate across a wide array of categories, ranging from horticulture to art.

This is accompanied by midway games, rides, music, and numerous vendors. Personally, I am always tempted by fair food, be it funnel cake, turkey legs, or deep-fried Reese’s cups.

10. The Athens Theatre

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As you look west along Indiana Avenue, your attention will likely be captivated by this grand structure, which is my favorite in DeLand. Exhibiting an impressive Italian Renaissance style, the Athens Theatre is a rare preserved movie palace in Central Florida.

Designed by the prolific Orlando architect Murry S. King (1870-1927), the Athens Theatre opened in 1922. The exquisite brick and stone facade was later concealed in the 1950s. After a period of decline that culminated in its closure during the 1990s, a lengthy restoration revived its historic charm, leading to its reopening as a performing arts venue in 2009.

Currently, the theater hosts productions by the Athens Theatre Company, a variety of concerts, live comedy, dance performances, youth workshops, and occasional film screenings.

11. DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market

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Regardless of whether the weather is sunny or rainy, the DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market remains open.

Distinct from most farmers markets that operate only in the morning and early afternoon, this market runs on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 PM. This timing makes it an ideal venue to relax and enjoy after a long work week.

The market takes place on a walkable backstreet in the historic downtown, featuring more than 80 carefully selected vendors. Of course, local organic produce is available, along with baked goods, salsas, spices, honey, and pickles.

On a hot summer evening, the ice cream sandwich truck is particularly delightful. As with the best markets, visitors can enjoy live music while they shop.

12. St. Francis Trail

Source: fs.usda.gov

One of the expansive protected areas near DeLand is the 607-square-mile Ocala National Forest. Within ten minutes of downtown, visitors can access this natural wilderness via the St. Francis River Trailhead.

While remaining close to the city, one can enter dense forests adorned with majestic live oaks and cabbage palms.

During my walk, I learned that this site was once a thriving port town along the St. Johns River in the late 19th century, though today there is little evidence of that past. The majority of the trail is only moderately strenuous, making it suitable for various ages and physical abilities.

13. The Edmunds Center

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Situated on the picturesque campus of Stetson University, The Edmunds Center is a multi-functional venue accommodating up to 5,000 attendees. This arena serves as the home ground for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

Opened in 1974 and named in honor of a former university president, the center has recently undergone numerous upgrades, enhancing its facilities.

Recently improved aspects include court-side seating and updated video boards, adding to the center’s appeal.

In addition to being the venue for Stetson Hatters games, the center has hosted a remarkable array of performers over the years, ranging from Steve Martin to Don McLean.

14. Bill Dreggors Park

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DeLand boasts a comprehensive park network, providing residents and visitors with various free and convenient recreational options. Bill Dreggors Park honors a local advocate for the preservation of Florida’s history.

Facilities include a paved walking trail, four picnic pavilions, and an impressive community-built playground. A feature that I find particularly charming is the sensory butterfly garden, designed to accommodate the visually and physically impaired.

Another point of interest is a preserved building from 1920 that housed a hospital. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits related to past medical practices, a veterans’ memorial, and various other cultural and historical displays.

15. Volusia County Farmers Market

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It is quite possible that Central Florida has more farmers’ markets than it has farmers, which is not surprising given the region’s favorable climate, abundant sunshine, and fertile soil.

The Volusia County Farmers’ Market is the county’s largest and operates every Wednesday from 7 AM to 2 PM.

Founded in 1975, the market is conveniently located at the fairgrounds, functioning equally as a flea market as a farmers’ market.

You can discover a wide variety of products, from fresh seasonal produce and ready-to-eat meals to arts and crafts, vintage clothes, and household items. If you need or desire something, it’s likely to be available here, so don’t hesitate to drop by and explore.