DeBary Hall Historic Site

Location: 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary
Get directions to site

History is alive at DeBary Hall Historic Site, a magnificent 19th century hunting estate overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, Florida. The site is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and includes DeBary Hall, the oldest intact building in southwest Volusia County. 

Built in 1871, DeBary Hall was the winter retreat of a European-born wine merchant who chose the St. Johns River country for his hunting estate. Frederick deBary tried his hand at orange growing and commercial steamboating, but his Florida estate became a center of sport hunting and hospitality. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of the country’s wealthiest people visited DeBary Hall to spend winters hunting, fishing and swimming in the cool springs nearby, then relaxing in the shade of the veranda enjoying a cool drink and the news of the day. DeBary reportedly entertained Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Grover Cleveland; the Astors, Goulds and Vanderbilts; and the Prince of Wales, who went on to become King Edward VII.

Today’s historic site covers 10 acres and includes the 8,000-square-foot hunting lodge, stables and other structures. 

We invite you to explore history at DeBary Hall Historic Site. You’ll find remarkable buildings, a treasure trove of historical images, and many good stories. 

DeBary Hall video overview
DeBary Hall was the winter retreat of a European-born wine merchant who chose the St. Johns River country for his hunting estate in the 1870s.
View more videos

Events at DeBary Hall
DeBary Hall hosts a number of events each month. View the calendar to find your next adventure, click here.

What is DeBary Hall?
Once the retreat of millionaires, this public site now offers a window on St. Johns River stories. For a history sampler, click here.

Planning your visit
DeBary Hall is a great drop-in site, especially if you’ve planned your spontaneity. Click here for hours of operation, driving directions and other details.

Visitors Center
DeBary Hall Visitors Center and Spring-to-Spring Trailhead. Click here for details.

Rental information
DeBary Hall can be reserved for certain activities appropriate to a protected historic site. Click here for details.

Plan your wedding in Victorian style

DeBary Hall stable
This 121-year-old structure provides space to host meetings, receptions and other gatherings for the community.

Become an ECHO Ranger
Volusia County's ECHO Ranger program educates youth, their families and scout troops about the many Ecological, Cultural, Heritage and Outdoors offerings.

Volunteering
Volunteers are keys to DeBary Hall’s life as a special public site. Please click here to check on possibilities for helping.

Related sites:

Lyonia Environmental Center
Located in Deltona, the LEC offers programs to adults and children, homeschool and scouting groups. See a list of available LEC programs.

Marine Science Center
Located in Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center is a facility devoted to the education and rehabilitation of sea turtles and seabirds. Here you will also find programs on how we can care for the longevity of our ocean and beaches and the wildlife that inhabits them.

DeBary Hall: Moonlight at the Mansion

January 28 @6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, for an evening of out-of-this-world exploration. Guests are invited to view the cosmos using telescopes provided by the planetarium. The night sky will reveal stunning sights such as the craters of the Moon, the ...

DeBary Hall: The Renal System

January 31 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join registered nurse Susan Araujo for an engaging and easy-to-understand exploration of the renal system – much more than just your kidneys. Learn how this vital system filters your blood, removes toxins, and maintains your body’s fluid balance. Araujo will explain simple ways to monitor renal ...

DeBary Hall: Line Dancing

February 5 @5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for beginner line dances to various music genres. This program will be held in DeBary Hall's stable, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. It's recommended for adults, and there is a $5 charge for each class. Registration is ...

DeBary Hall: Story Time

February 6 @9:30 am to 10:30 am
Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required. DeBary Hall Historic Site, which...

DeBary Hall: Historic Bike Tour

February 11 @9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Travel back in time on two wheels during a nine-mile guided bike ride from DeBary Hall Historic Site to Lake Monroe Park and back. Learn about the area’s history, including facts from the Native Americans who inhabited the region thousands of years ago to the development of Gemini Springs Park in ...

DeBary Hall: Sustainable Vegetable Gardening

February 12 @11:30 am to 12:30 pm
During this free, interactive Lunch & Learn program, a certified master gardener will explain perennial vegetable gardening – an approach that can provide reliable harvests year after year with less maintenance than traditional annual gardens. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and g...

DeBary Hall: Story Time

February 13 @9:30 am to 10:30 am
Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required. DeBary Hall Historic Site, which...

DeBary Hall: Swing into Contra

February 14 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join staff for an engaging, beginner-friendly class designed to introduce the lively tradition of contra dance. Partners and prior experience are not needed. During this free, two-hour class, a caller will guide participants through each step, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun. Reser...

DeBary Hall: Line Dancing

February 19 @5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for beginner line dances to various music genres. This program will be held in DeBary Hall's stable, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. It's recommended for adults, and there is a $5 charge for each class. Registration is ...

DeBary Hall: Story Time

February 20 @9:30 am to 10:30 am
Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities, at DeBary Hall Historic Site, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required. DeBary Hall Historic Site, which...