West Volusia
Press Room
West Volusia County encompasses 14 communities along the St. Johns River.
Old Florida. Real Florida. Vibrant Florida.
The genuine charm that travelers seek is right here. From the celebrated local shops of Downtown DeLand to beloved Trail Towns like DeBary and Deltona - this is the real Florida. Today, the region boasts an incredible variety of experiences. You can watch skydivers leap from above, see manatees cooling off below, enjoy famous local pancakes, or even investigate paranormal occurrences. Rediscover the allure of the Sunshine State in West Volusia, where our historic past is celebrated and new stories are always waiting to be told.
Press Releases and Blogs
Fast Facts & Trivia
Despite a serious effort by both professional and amateur historians, no one has been able to pinpoint the exact origin of the “Volusia” name. Instead, there are several theories including:
The name derives from a word meaning “Land of the Euchee.” After the Timucua Native American culture died out in the early 1700s, the land was uninhabited until other northern tribes began to migrate south into the area (much like the Seminole people). The Euchee Indians, originally from an area in South Carolina, were one of those tribes.
It’s believed to have been taken from a British plantation located on the St. Johns River in the late 1700s. However, no one has explained where the plantation owner came up with the name.
The name is derived from the surname of one of the employees at a local trading post, described as of either Belgian or French descent and well liked by many visitors and local residents. His name was something like “Veluche,” pronounced “Va-loo-shay.” The post became known as “Veluche’s Place,” hence the eventual evolution and creation of “Volusia.”
Henry DeLand was a baking soda manufacturer from Fairport, New York, who founded the City of DeLand, Florida, and the DeLand Academy (which later became Stetson University). He suffered a severe financial loss one winter due to guaranteeing orange crops for farmers who rented his land.
Before its founder arrived, DeLand was originally known as Persimmon Hollow, named after the abundant persimmon trees in the area. Today, the city’s award winning microbrewery is named Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company.
The scenic village of Lake Helen was the brainchild of Henry DeLand, who named it after his daughter, Helen.
The Stetson Mansion in DeLand is part of Florida’s First Luxury Estate and quite possibly the grandest home ever built in Florida before the 20th century. The estate was hidden and lost for 100 years but has been rescued, restored, and updated in a timeless fashion. Built in 1886 for famed hat maker and philanthropist John B. Stetson, this winter retreat was the only richly detailed “Gilded Age” mansion built in Florida. It was recently named one of the “Top 10 Rated Attractions in the USA” by TripAdvisor and is regularly listed as one of the “Top 10 Holiday Home Tours in the USA” by USA Today.
German born Frederick deBary was hired by the Mumm family to sell its champagnes and wines in the United States. Young deBary was a success, selling Mumm brands to the rising class of wealthy Americans. He became a millionaire, and in 1870, came to Florida on vacation and fell in love with the St. Johns River. He purchased land on Lake Monroe and built a mansion, known today as DeBary Hall, which included one of the first elevators installed in a home. He was known to entertain the famous, including Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland. He later developed a steamship company that helped open up Florida’s interior to commerce.
Deltona, an area that began as a small retirement community, has grown to have a much larger population (more than 95,000) than the popular nearby beach town of Daytona Beach (around 75,000)!
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, a community of spiritually minded people founded over 130 years ago, is known as the Psychic Capital of the World.
The St. Johns River is the only Florida American Heritage River designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to receive special attention (coordinating efforts of multiple governmental entities) to further three objectives: natural resource and environmental protection, economic revitalization, and historic and cultural preservation.
DeLand was the first community to receive the Main Street designation in Florida. Moreover, the community was the recipient of the “Great American Main Street Award” and has been voted the best Main Street in Florida a total of five times.
Pierson bills itself as the Fern Capital of the World, and for good reason! The town is heavily reliant on agriculture, mainly consisting of growing its namesake ferns, all of which are exported worldwide for use in floral arrangements and other decorations.
Skydive DeLand is one of the busiest drop zones in the world, having more skydiving activity than 98 percent of the other drop zones in the country.
Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres and includes the largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring. The park and its spring are a designated manatee refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian manatees. During manatee season, which approximately runs from mid November through March, several hundred manatees can be viewed in the springs from overlooks on cold days.
Inside DeLeon Springs State Park is the popular Old Sugar Mill Pancake House. Located inside a century old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill, this restaurant lets you cook your own pancakes at the table!
Spring Garden Ranch Training Center in DeLeon Springs is the largest Standardbred horse training facility in North America and the winter home of many champion harness racing teams.
Opening its doors in 1922, the historic Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand was designed by prominent architect Murray S. King. Henry DeLand originally envisioned the city as the "Athens of Florida," which inspired the name of this beautifully restored venue.
DeLand is home to the Reptile Discovery Center. It is one of the very few facilities in the country where the public can safely watch professionals extract venom from deadly snakes like cobras and mambas. The venom is then used worldwide for medical research and antivenom production.
The Gillespie Museum houses one of the largest historic private mineral collections in the southeastern United States. Located on the Stetson University campus, the museum contains thousands of rare gems, minerals, and fossils.
During World War II, the local airport operated as a major training base for Navy dive bomber pilots. The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum now preserves this vital military history inside the original master armory building from the 1940s.
Highlighting the modern local culture, West Volusia features the CoolCraft Beverage Trail. This trail connects the best local coffee shops, breweries, mixologists and other craft beverage producers in the area and frequently hosts seasonal events like the CoolCraft Summer beverage competition.
Downtown DeLand is an outdoor art gallery featuring the DeLand Mural Walk. This collection of more than a dozen intricate outdoor paintings depicts the rich history of the area, paying homage to everything from early settlers to the booming historical citrus industry.
Located just northwest of DeLand, the Barberville Pioneer Settlement gives visitors a chance to experience rural life in late 19th century Florida. The historical village includes a blacksmith shop, a print shop, and one of the oldest brick schoolhouses in the county.
The Barberville Pioneer Settlement is an immersive, open-air living history village. Featuring authentic historical structures and traditional artisans, it provides a vivid, hands-on look at early Florida pioneer life.
Built in 1922, the historic Athens Theatre is a fully restored vaudeville house anchoring downtown DeLand. This architectural gem showcases classic Florida arts and entertainment in a stunning vintage venue.
Founded in 1894, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is the oldest active community of mediums in the Southeast. Known as the Psychic Capital of the World, it offers unique spiritual tours.
DeBary Hall is a grand 1871 hunting estate built by a champagne importer. It features historic Florida architecture and a prominent trailhead connecting to an expansive regional biking network.
The CoolCraft Beverage Trail connects West Volusia's premier craft breweries, meaderies, and coffee shops. This curated tasting route showcases distinct local flavors through an engaging, self-guided passport experience.
Recognized as an award-winning main street, Downtown DeLand blends historic charm with a contemporary vibe. It boasts eclectic boutique shopping, acclaimed dining, and vibrant public art murals.
Located along the scenic St. Johns River, Holly Bluff Marina and neighboring outfitters like Tropical Resort, Hontoon Landing, St Johns River Marina and Riviera Resort offer premier houseboat and pontoon rentals.
Located on the Stetson University campus, the Gillespie Museum is a premier earth science center. It houses one of the largest and most significant gem and mineral collections in the Southeast.
SunRail is Central Florida's modern commuter train network. With convenient stops in DeLand and DeBary, it offers visitors a relaxing, traffic-free transportation alternative to explore the greater region.
RallyWell Pickleball & Wellness Club is Volusia County's premier indoor racquet facility. Featuring seven climate-controlled courts and a full recovery spa, it provides a top-tier active leisure and recovery experience.
The Museum of Art DeLand is a vital cultural hub. This fine arts gallery hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions and impactful educational programs that celebrate Florida's thriving visual arts community.
Situated inside a historic 1936 schoolhouse, the Enterprise Museum preserves the rich heritage of a founding St. Johns River steamboat town. It offers a fascinating glimpse into authentic Old Florida.
An incredible open air sculpture garden featuring a massive selection of handcrafted lawn art. This unique roadside attraction offers custom pottery, colorful statues, and stunning Mexican folk art.
Experience the striking emerald waters of Green Springs Park. Once the site of a historic 19th century health resort, this beautiful natural sulfur spring now offers peaceful, shaded nature trails located in Enterprise.
Flowing north through the heart of West Volusia, the majestic St. Johns River is an outdoor paradise. Enjoy incredible bass fishing, pristine ecotourism, and unforgettable boating adventures along the water.
Challenge yourself at DynoClimb, DeLand's premier indoor rock climbing gym. Featuring impressive bouldering walls, auto belay stations, and a ninja rig, it offers an exciting experience for all skill levels.
Explore the natural beauty of Gemini Springs Park. Named for its twin freshwater springs, this scenic outdoor destination features extensive paved biking trails, fishing spots, and rustic camping sites.
Explore the 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine migratory bird habitat. Along its scenic trails, discover the interactive Swallow-tailed Kite wings mural, offering a perfect, unique photo opportunity.
Spot the rare Florida Scrub Jay, a friendly blue-and-gray bird found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can best observe these endangered, curious natives exploring the trails at Lyonia Preserve and in other places in West Volusia.
The beautifully restored 1920s DeLand Hotel, offers charming vintage lodging with elevated dining at The DeLand Eatery, and expertly crafted drinks at the DeLand Cocktail Company.
Accessible only by boat or free park ferry, Hontoon Island State Park is a peaceful retreat on the Saint Johns River. Explore scenic trails, paddle the waterways, and discover rich Native American history.
At Blue Spring State Park, the Save the Manatee Club champions the protection of Florida manatees. Their vital conservation work and research help safeguard hundreds of these wintering gentle giants.
Built in 1886 for the famous hat maker, the historic Stetson Mansion is Florida's first luxury estate. This beautifully restored Victorian masterpiece offers spectacular guided historical and holiday tours.
Experience the thrill of a lifetime at Skydive DeLand, one of the world's premier drop zones. It offers tandem jumps, expert training, and spectacular views for adventurers of all levels.
Tour the historic 1872 Thursby House at Blue Spring State Park. This preserved pioneer home offers a fascinating glimpse into Florida's early steamboat era along the St. Johns River.
Explore West Volusia's expansive trail network. Featuring miles of scenic paved trails, it connects the Spring-to-Spring Trail, St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, and the Coast-to-Coast Trail with the City of DeBary serving as the hub.
Located in DeBary, The Salted Goat is a quirky, laid-back gastropub. It features a spacious shaded patio, live music, and creative dishes built around fresh, locally sourced Central Florida ingredients.
BakeChop is a cozy, eclectic eatery in the heart of downtown DeLand. Known for scratch-made dishes and local ingredients, it offers delicious seasonal plates with fantastic vegan and vegetarian options.
Jessica Meinhofer and her family, known as the Westons, are our guides to West Volusia's outdoors, highlighting its natural side through her Walk and Paddle platform.
Patty's Parrot Palace is a unique avian rescue sanctuary in DeLand. Beyond housing beautiful displaced birds, it offers incredible interactive experiences, including their famous and incredibly popular Goat Yoga and Parrot Yoga classes.
Feelgood Farms is Volusia County's first official vineyard and winery. Located on a wild 17-acre estate in Osteen, this charming agricultural destination offers visitors a relaxing, authentic Florida farm experience.
Annual Events
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Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
November 1, 2026 to January 17, 2027 - Celebrate the holidays at Stetson Mansion, where Florida's first luxury estate is transformed into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Explore spectacularly decorated rooms, themed holiday displays, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and thousands of sparkling lights while enjoying a guided or self-guided tour that blends John B. Stetson's history with the magic of the season. Consistently ranked among the nation's top holiday home tours, this unforgettable West Volusia tradition is perfect for families, couples, and groups. Reservations are required at stetsonmansion.com.CoolCraft Christmas Beverage Trail
November to Late December - Enjoy a monthlong celebration of handcrafted holiday beverages from over 20 local breweries and coffee shops. Use a specialized passport to navigate the trail, collecting signatures for seasonal drinks like sugar plum lattes to redeem a collectible Christmas ornament.DeLeon Dunk
January 1, 2027 - Ring in the New Year by plunging into the 72-degree spring waters of DeLeon Springs State Park. Enjoy standard jumps or deluxe tickets for early access, a themed T-shirt, and Old Sugar Mill mini pancakes. This community gathering raises awareness for state park conservation.Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival
Late January - Hosted at Valentine Park, this festival features live music, arts vendors, and the Disc Connected K9s. Shuttles transport guests to Blue Spring State Park to witness wintering manatees and learn about conservation efforts with the Save the Manatee Club.DeLand Craft Beer Festival
Mid January - Beer enthusiasts will converge on West Georgia Avenue in Downtown DeLand to enjoy an extensive selection of over 200 beers. Sample brews from local and regional breweries, offering a diverse range of styles to suit every palate.Berkeley LaBaw Speck Tournament
January 29 - 30, 2027 - A beloved memorial speckled perch tournament on the St. Johns River backwaters. Competitors launch from Highland Park Fish Camp to display their angling skills. The event fosters regional camaraderie and highlights the area's pristine freshwater ecosystems.DIRTcar Nationals
February 4 - 20, 2027 - A massive, multi-week late-model racing extravaganza at Volusia Speedway Park, the world's fastest half-mile clay oval. As the premier season opener for the World of Outlaws, it attracts elite drivers for consecutive nights of high-speed, fierce competition.Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival
February 6, 2027 - Downtown DeLand transforms into a canine-centric celebration with creatively costumed dogs parading down Main Street. Organized by the Krewe of Amalee, the festival combines Mardi Gras revelry with vibrant community engagement, raising funds for animal charities.Wildlife Festival
Mid to Late February - Hosted at the Lyonia Environmental Center, this family ecotourism festival celebrates Florida's biological diversity, with an emphasis on the endemic Florida scrub-jay. Enjoy guided eco-buggy tours, live animal demonstrations, and educational workshops connecting the community to native habitats. -
DeLand Bike Rally
March 6, 2027 - This massive rally draws thousands to Downtown DeLand. As a prelude to broader county bike weeks, Woodland Boulevard shuts down for live entertainment, custom motorcycle showcases, vendor markets, and biker weddings, offering a spectacular day for riders.Off the Beaten Path West Volusia Studio Tour
Early March - A self-guided tour granting exclusive access to the private workspaces of West Volusia’s premier working artists. For a weekend, navigate between rural and urban studios to engage directly with creators specializing in ceramics, painting, sculpture, and textiles.Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival
Late March - A botanical celebration in Downtown DeLand featuring specialized vendors, hands-on demonstrations, and expert horticultural presentations. Explore displays of native Florida wildflowers and sustainable gardening supplies while learning to incorporate pollinator-friendly flora.DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
Late March - Set in Earl Brown Park, this multi-day fine arts festival features hundreds of award-winning artists and traditional crafters showcasing original works. Enjoy an antique car show, robust food courts, and live folk and acoustic music in a vibrant springtime atmosphere.Spring Frolic
Late March to Early April - Barberville Pioneer Settlement hosts this massive folk music and dance festival. Over 100 acoustic performers deliver bluegrass, Celtic, and Americana music across multiple stages. Enjoy living history demonstrations like blacksmithing and traditional Cracker-style barbecue.Thin Man Watts Jazz Fest
Early April - Honoring DeLand's vibrant musical heritage, this festival celebrates local jazz, Latin, and contemporary styles at the Second Stage Theater. It honors legendary musicians like Dr. Noble "Thin Man" Watts, providing an immersive cultural experience for diverse communities.Taste of DeLand
Mid April - Culinary aficionados gather along West Indiana Avenue to savor Downtown DeLand's gastronomic landscape. Sample signature dishes, appetizers, and craft beverages from the city's finest restaurants and caterers. Live music complements this vibrant communal dining experience.DeLand Yoga Fest
April 23-24 - This festival unites yoga practitioners of all levels for 2 days of yoga, meditation, vendors, and community in the heart of DeLand.Cracker Day
April 24, 2027 - Honoring Florida's pioneering cattlemen, this agricultural tradition at the Volusia County Fairgrounds delivers authentic rodeo thrills including professional bull riding and barrel racing. Admission includes a homemade barbecue lunch, ensuring a satisfying family celebration. -
DeLand Ice Cream Walk
Late May and Late August - Celebrating the end of the school year, this evening promenade transforms the historic district into a sugary paradise. Use a tasting passport to stroll between local boutiques while sampling unique ice cream flavors from premier local confectionaries and creameries.CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition
Late June to Early September- This interactive summer beverage trail invites locals and tourists to sample inventive, limited-edition drinks from participating craft brewers and mixologists. Vote for your favorite patriotic or tropical concoctions in this gamified culinary journey driving hospitality traffic.DIRTcar Firecracker Showdown
June/July - Bringing high-stakes dirt track competition back to Volusia Speedway Park, this event highlights the "Fab 5" divisions. Watch late models and modifieds battle fiercely under summer stadium lights, offering fans explosive entertainment and monumental cash prize payouts.DeLand Craft Show
September 26 - 27, 2026 - Filling Woodland Boulevard with artisanal talent, this autumnal street festival welcomes hundreds of vendors to downtown. Browse handmade goods like intricate woodwork and bespoke jewelry. Live musical performances and diverse culinary offerings capture the spirit of early fall. -
DeLeon Dash 5K
October 16, 2026 - The principal fundraiser for the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park, this scenic 5K weaves runners through natural landscapes, paved pathways, and dirt trails under towering oaks. The event supports environmental conservation and infrastructure enhancements within the park.Volusia County Fair
November 5 - 15, 2026 - Voted among Florida's finest agricultural exhibitions, this multi-day fair delivers unparalleled traditional entertainment. Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, vibrant games, and fairground delicacies alongside extensive livestock competitions and student agricultural exhibits.Fall Country Jamboree
November 7 - 8, 2026 - An immersion into early Florida pioneer life at the Barberville Settlement. Experience working steam engines, traditional sugar cane boils, and blacksmithing. Paired with a massive juried craft show and continuous folk music, it offers an authentic educational journey.Central Florida Legends Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
November 14, 2026 - Utilizing the region's Spring-to-Spring trail system, this endurance event offers shaded, flat courses through the lush ecosystems of Gemini Springs Park. Races culminate in a legendary post-race tailgate party, blending fierce athletics with vibrant celebration.Celtic Fest & Highland Games
November 14, 2026 - Bringing Scottish Highlands traditions to Central Florida, this cultural festival features athletic competitions, traditional music, and heritage displays. Marvel at heavy athletics, rhythmic bagpipes, and intricate Celtic dancing in an immersive celebration of ancestral pride.Save the Manatee 5k
November 15, 2026 - Join participants globally in the annual 5K at Blue Spring State Park. Running or walking, this family-friendly event raises crucial funds for manatee protection. Registration includes park admission, a commemorative shirt, and a finisher medal, with virtual options available.Fall Festival of the Arts - DeLand
November 21 - 22, 2026 - Transforming the historic retail district into an open-air gallery, this juried fine arts festival attracts elite artists nationwide. Acquire extraordinary paintings and sculptures directly from creators, elevated by live musical performances, wine tastings, and culinary offerings
Old Florida
West Volusia is a dream for those who wish to explore the waters, natural habitats and culture of Old Florida. But what exactly is “Old Florida”?
At the heart of the region flows one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the country, the St. Johns River, encompassing the St. Johns River Blueway and the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor. Blue Spring, DeLeon Spring, Gemini Springs, and Green Springs each play a crucial role by feeding the river’s ecological diversity, providing visitors with a chance to observe the area’s scenic beauty. Whether by canoe or kayak, riverboat or houseboat, exploring the river offers visitors stunning views of turtles, gators, manatees, and more than 200 species of birds in a lush, purely Floridian landscape. West Volusia is at the intersection of three major bicycle trails – the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, the Coast-to-Coast Trail, and the Heart of Florida Loop.
Pioneers such as hat maker John B. Stetson, philanthropist Henry DeLand and wine importer Frederick deBary each found solace in the area and have left indelible marks that endure to this day. Henry DeLand was motivated by the vision of creating a citrus, agricultural and tourism-based community, leading him to purchase land in what is now known as the City of DeLand. Frederick deBary built DeBary Hall, which later lent its name to the City of DeBary. John B. Stetson erected the esteemed Stetson Mansion, Florida’s first luxury estate and he funded DeLand Academy, later renamed Stetson University in his honor. Other historical highlights in the area include the Barberville Pioneer Settlement, Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp and the Enterprise Museum.
And of course, there’s fishing! The region is widely known as an excellent area to catch bass and crappie. Popular fishing spots include the family-operated Highland Park Fish Camp, established in 1962, and the secluded South Moon Fish Camp.
New Vibe
When Henry DeLand moved to the area known at the time as Persimmon Hollow, he envisioned it becoming the “Athens of Florida.” Today, DeLand is an award-winning Main Street community, home to shops, boutiques, galleries, and nine – yes, nine – museums, complete with a series of murals and two of the incredibly popular #WingsOfTheWest photo ops. In the center of downtown lies the Athens Theater, home to adult and youth theater companies.
On Friday nights, a weekly farmers market comes to life in Artisan Alley. It’s a gathering spot for the community, featuring food trucks, local artisans, live music and sometimes special themed nights. Nearby breweries Persimmon Hollow and Hyderhead Brewery, along with the outdoor courtyard at Cafe DaVinci, combine to make Georgia Ave the place to be for nightlife.
Venturing out of DeLand, Deltona’s Lyonia Environmental Center highlights the conservation efforts being done locally to preserve the native scrub habitats of the Florida Scrub Jay, an endangered species. To the north, Volusia Speedway Park is known as the “The Fastest Half Mile in the World” and hosts World of Outlaws and Super DIRTcar Series races all year long.
New to the scene is the CoolCraft Beverage Trail, a collection of microbreweries, coffee roasters, wine bars and confectioners, all of which dot the map and complement an array of fabulous restaurants. All year long, “CoolCrafters” are serving up their popular concoctions, while every summer, CoolCrafters clash in the “CoolCraft Summer Beverage Competition” for the chance to be crowned the best. In the winter, “CoolCraft Christmas” brings holiday cheer to the area with seasonally themed drinks and a scavenger hunt to receive a prized Christmas ornament.
The combination of this “new vibe” and the character of authentic, small-town Florida it offers brings a fun experience to anyone who wishes to visit our ripe community. West Volusia is a destination with countless stories to tell, history to share, and fun to have.
Get started on your journey at www.visitwestvolusia.com.