13 Things To Do In DeLand, Florida

1. Museum of Art - DeLand

Viewing art could truly be a life-changing experience for some. Why not see it for yourself and hurry down to Museum of Art - DeLand? This interactive visual arts museum is dedicated to preserving and studying fine arts. It features dynamic exhibits, artist workshops, and other engaging programs. Be engulfed by Out of Paradise, a display of Adam Straus’ paintings, one of the current exhibitions at the museum. If you want to help out the community, you’re more than welcome to make a donation too.

Museum of Art - DeLand

Address: 600 N Woodland BlvdDeLand, FL 32720, USA

Website: Museum of Art - DeLand

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

2. Hand Art Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Art has its way of moving us. If you can’t get enough of captivating pieces, one of the best galleries in Deland is Hand Art Center at Stetson University. The museum promotes critical reading and life-long learning of art. It is home to a permanent collection of over a thousand pieces of works by Oscar Bluemmer, a Modernist painter. The gallery is a space for artists, scholars, historians, and art enthusiasts to share their love for art and how it shapes our cultural history.

Hand Art Center

Address: 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32724, United States

Website: Hand Art Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

3. Henry A. DeLand House Museum

The DeLand House was constructed in 1886 by the man himself, and after changing owners for a couple of times, it was donated to the city of DeLand. Its doors were changed from those of a home to a museum in 1990. The Henry a. DeLand House Museum contains many items and information on the history of the western end of Volusia County. A great place to visit if you want to learn more about the county you’ve just stepped into.

Henry A. DeLand House Museum

Address: 137 W Michigan Ave, 32720 DeLand, FL

Website: Henry a. DeLand House Museum

4. Hontoon Island State Park

There are no admission charges to this park, but it does require a boat or park ferry to get there. When you do reach Hontoon Island, trudge through its area to see its Native American habitation evidence, as the island itself has served the community for centuries. Fish, canoe or take a boat ride around its waters. You could also rent an overnight boat to soak in every once in this particular Florida state park. Spending quality time here is one of the best DeLand activities!

Hontoon Island State Park

Address: 2309 River Ridge Rd, 32720 DeLand, FL

Website: Hontoon Island State Park

5. Stetson Mansion

The mansion holds within itself a tale of woe and revival. Stetson Mansion was once one of the grandest homes in Florida (way back in the 20th century). Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the grand building was lost from the public’s eye for a hundred years. With some extensive work done to its frame, the mansion now stands in its glory once again. Tours are available from time to time, so do check its website for full details.

Stetson Mansion

Address: D1031 Camphor Ln, 32720 DeLand, FL

Website: Stetson Mansion

6. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Two best buds founded this brewery; Andy Sistrunk and Robbie Carelli. The beer center was established just a few years back, but its delicious frothy amber liquids are the talk of the town. No food is served at the brewery, but there’s tons of fun to be found within its wall with arcade machines, pool tables, and a dartboard too! If you don’t know what to do in DeLand, FL, with your friends, come down to the brewery!

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company

Address: 111 W Georgia Ave, 32720 DeLand, FL

Website: Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company

7. DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

Believe it or not, the Naval Air Station used to be an airport. It was closed down in 1946 with the entire property and its surrounding area returned to the city of DeLand. After some high-end refurbishment, the station was reopened in 1995 and till today houses an irreplaceable amount of veteran mementos, artifacts, and military art.

DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

Address: 910 Biscayne Blvd, 32724 DeLand, FL

Website: DeLand Naval Air Station Museum

8. Skydive DeLand

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Try living on the high side of life and skydive for a change. Why not do it at DeLand while you’re visiting too? This world-class DeLand, Florida, attraction has been operating since 1982 and offers a series of programs which includes tandem skydiving as well as AFF training programs. Skydive DeLand is open daily from 8.30 a.m. onwards until the sun sets.

Skydive DeLand

Address: 1600 Flight Line Blvd, 32724 DeLand, FL

Website: Skydive DeLand

9. NEST

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A cozy wine bar that gives you a break from the day with a great glass of Sangria. The shop also sells odds and ends which make really good presents to wrap and give to your loved ones back home. A favorite hotspot for lovers of antiquities, beer and yes, wine!

NEST

Address: 104 Artisan Alley, 32720 DeLand, FL

Facebook: NEST

10. Nature and wildlife tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There’s a good part of nature and wildlife to be explored here. To make the most out of your sightseeing in DeLand, Florida, it would be best to check out the Blue Heron River Tours. Tours with the company are available every between the months of September to May. The company boasts about its two-hour tour, which will show you precious sightings of baby gators, turtles and many varieties of wading birds.

Blue Heron River Tours

Address: 2999 West State Road 44, 32720 DeLand, FL

Website: Blue Heron River Tours

11. Gillespie Museum

Another museum worth popping into while you’re moving around DeLand has got to be the Gillespie Museum. The museum is the home for many gems and minerals, most of which are found within the Earth’s crust. Look out for the neon rock formations and the gigantic amethyst stone. No admission fees are charged, but donations are welcome as it will support their educational programs.

Gillespie Museum

Address: 234 E Michigan Ave, 32724 DeLand, FL

Website: Gillespie Museum

12. Reptile Discovery Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a fantastic place for kids especially, as they’d be able to take a walk along its trail and see different types of reptiles. Think alligators, lizards, and tortoises. There is a live venom extraction program held on certain days, which makes a truly interesting watch. Did we mention that the Serpentarium has dozens of exotic and dangerous snakes on display too?

Reptile Discovery Center

Address: 2710 Big John Dr, 32724 DeLand, FL

Website: Reptile Discovery Center

13. African American Museum

As the name suggests, African American Museum is devoted primarily to African-American art and culture. This is achieved by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting works of art made by African and Caribbean American artists, and keepers of culture. The museum was founded by Irene D. Johnson, her husband Maxwell, and other civic leaders, on September 22, 1994. Aside from the permanent exhibits of various works of art and historical artifacts, the museum also hosts temporary visual, literary, and performance art exhibitions.

African American Museum

Address: 325 South Clara Avenue, DeLand, FL 32721

Website: African American Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

Price: Free admission

The wrap up

DeLand has an enriching experience to offer its travelers, irrespective of whether they’re local or international visitors. There are many trails waiting to be explored, and beautiful sights to see. Drop by DeLand when you can and soak up its intensity and vivaciousness!