15 Exciting Things To Do In DeLand Florida

DeLand offers a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a variety of attractions and activities for all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for nature, art, history, or adventure, you’ll find something to enjoy in DeLand. Here are 15 exciting things to do in DeLand that will be fun and make memories to last a lifetime. 

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Things to do in DeLand

Below is a list of 15 things to do in DeLand, Florida.

Stetson Mansion

Known as Florida’s most historic residence, the Stetson Mansion is an ornate Victorian home constructed in 1886 by none other than John B. Stetson. It incorporates Gothic, Tudor, Moorish, and Polynesian architectural influences. Guided Christmas tours of the mansion are offered from November 1st, 2023 and run until January 20th, 2024. Come and admire its original furnishings, stained glass windows, parquet floors, and intricate woodwork.

 

Blue Heron River Tours

Blue Heron River Tours is a nature-based eco-tour that takes you on a scenic cruise along the St. Johns River. You’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, such as alligators, turtles, manatees, bald eagles, ospreys, and more. You’ll also learn about the history and ecology of the river and its surroundings from your knowledgeable captain and guide. The tour lasts about two hours and costs about $30 per adult.

 

Skydive DeLand

Skydive DeLand is one of the most popular skydiving centers in the world, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers every year. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jumper, you’ll find a skydiving option that suits your needs and preferences. They offer tandem skydiving, accelerated freefall training, or solo skydiving, granted you can only solo skydive if you are licensed to do so. You’ll get to experience the exhilaration of freefalling at up to 120 mph and the beauty of gliding over DeLand with a parachute. You can also capture your skydiving adventure with video and photos.

 

Museum of Art – DeLand

Museum of Art – DeLand is a cultural institution that showcases the works of local, regional, national, and international artists. The museum has two locations: one in downtown DeLand and one near Stetson University. The downtown location features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and the museum store, while the university location features permanent collections of regional art and sculptures. The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, lectures, and events for the community.

 

Athens Theatre

Athens Theatre is a historic theater that was built in 1921 as a vaudeville and movie house. The theater was restored in 2009 and now hosts live performances of musicals, plays, concerts, comedy shows, and more. The theater has a seating capacity of over 400 and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. You can enjoy a night of entertainment at Athens Theatre and support the local arts scene.

 

Walking DeLand Tours

Walking DeLand Tours is a company that offers guided walking tours of DeLand’s historic downtown district. You’ll get to explore the charming streets and buildings of DeLand and learn about its history, architecture, culture, and legends from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The tours last about two hours and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

 

Mainstreet DeLand Association

Mainstreet DeLand Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes and preserves the historic downtown area of DeLand. The association organizes various events and activities throughout the year to attract visitors and residents to downtown DeLand. Some of the events include art festivals, car shows, wine walks, farmers markets, parades, and more. 

 

Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is a state park that covers a 1,650-acre island in the St. Johns River. The park is accessible by ferry or private boat and offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers. You can hike or bike along some of the trails. You’ll also be able to boat, fish, camp, paddle, and more at Hontoon Island. 

 

Stetson University

Stetson University is Florida’s oldest college, founded in 1883 by Henry A. DeLand and named after John B. Stetson, the hat maker and benefactor. The university has a beautiful campus with red-brick buildings, Greco-Roman columns, and majestic oaks. You can take a self-guided tour of the campus and visit its landmarks, such as the Elizabeth Hall Chapel, the Hollis Center, and the duPont-Ball Library. You can also check out the university’s museums and galleries, such as the Gillespie Museum of Minerals and the Hand Art Center.

 

Blue Spring State Park

Located in Orange City, near DeLand, is Blue Spring State Park. This state park is home to over 2,600 acres of land and water. Blue Spring State Park is known for its crystal-clear spring water that connects to the St. Johns River and serves as a winter home for many manatees. Besides viewing manatees, you can swim, camp, canoe, kayak, paddle, hike, fish, and more at this park. 

 

Reptile Discovery Center

Reptile Discovery Center is a reptile zoo and venom research facility that houses many venomous and non-venomous snakes from around the world. You can also watch live venom extraction demonstrations and learn about the medical uses of snake venom. The center also has other reptiles and amphibians, such as alligators, turtles, and lizards.

 

DeLand Artisan Alley Farmers Market

This is a lively and diverse market that offers a variety of products from local and organic farms, exotic foods, spices, bakery items, plants, pickles, honey, arts and crafts, and more. You can stroll through the beautiful Artisan Alley in historic downtown DeLand, enjoy live music, and meet friendly vendors and fellow shoppers. The market is open every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support local businesses and discover new delights.

 

African American Museum of Art

African American Museum of Art is a museum that celebrates the art and culture of African Americans and Africans throughout the world. The museum has a permanent collection of more than 150 works of art by various artists. In addition, there are educational programs and other events that are hosted by this museum as well.

 

Bill Dreggors Park

Bill Dreggors Park is a park that honors the legacy of Bill Dreggors, a local historian and storyteller who dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the history of DeLand. The DeLand Memorial Hospital Museum is also located at this park, where you can view exhibits relating to the history of medical care in DeLand. The park also has a playground, a picnic area, and a butterfly garden.

 

DeLand Angel Wings

DeLand Wings is a mural that depicts a pair of angel wings on the side of a building in downtown DeLand. The mural was created by artist Erica Group in 2014 and has become a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. You can pose in front of the mural and take a photo that makes you look like you have wings. The mural is located at 100 E. New York Avenue, in the alley next to the Beacon newspaper office.

 

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Final Thoughts 

DeLand is a hidden gem in Central Florida that has something for everyone. You can find plenty of things to do in DeLand that will be fun, exciting, and make lasting memories. So don’t wait any longer and make plans around DeLand today! Enjoy!