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.
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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.
Upcoming events
DeBary Hall: Story Time
April 2 @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: Line Dancing
April 2 @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. There is a $5 charge for each class.
Registration is not required. For more informatio...
DeBary Hall: Wing it Wednesday
April 8 @8:30 am to 10:00 am
Join us for a guided walk to discover the birds that call DeBary Hall home. Participants will receive a brief history of the park and its cultural significance and learn how to identify birds by sight and sound. Guests will practice live bird identification, receive assistance adding species t...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
April 16 @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. There is a $5 charge for each class.
Registration is not required. For more informatio...
DeBary Hall: Story Time
April 17 @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: Composting Made Simple
April 23 @11:30 am to 12:30 pm
During this free, interactive Lunch & Learn at DeBary Hall, a certified master gardener will share practical tips on how to turn everyday yard and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost for healthier plants and soil. Learn the process of composting, the materials needed, and what you should and sh...
DeBary Hall: Intro into Contra
April 25 @10:00 am to 12:00 pm
During this free program at DeBary Hall, the first hour will focus on instruction as the caller teaches the basic steps and movements, followed by an hour of dancing where participants can put what they’ve learned into practice. This is a beginner-friendly class designed to introduce the lively tr...
DeBary Hall: Enjoying Nature with Limited Mobility
April 25 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
This presentation at DeBary Hall explores how people of all mobility levels can enjoy meaningful experiences in nature. Learn about accessible trails, wildlife viewing, and adaptive equipment while discovering opportunities to explore two nearby natural areas – Colby-Alderman Park in Lake Helen an...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
April 30 @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 ...
