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: 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...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
March 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
March 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: Swing into Contra
March 7 @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: 1943: Turning the Tide
March 7 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join local historian Ryan Lowry as he discusses the major events that defined America's crusade during the turbulent year of 1943. As America took the fight back to the Axis Powers in the early years of World War II, hard lessons were learned on the battlefields in Europe and the Pacific. ...
DeBary Hall: Creating a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary
March 12 @11:30 am to 12:30 pm
During this free, interactive Lunch & Learn, a certified master gardener will share practical tips on transforming home landscapes into welcoming habitats for local wildlife. Topics will include native plants, food and water sources, shelter, and sustainable gardening practices tailored to Florida...
DeBary Hall: George and Martha Washington: A Love Story
March 12 @6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Step back into the founding days of America and experience history through the lens of romance, partnership, and resilience in George and Martha Washington: A Love Story – a captivating live portrayal of the nation’s first presidential couple. Local actors Bill and Cara Elder bring warmth, depth...
DeBary Hall: Living History Day
March 14 @10:00 am to 3:00 pm
History will come to life at this family friendly event that will feature George Washington’s headquarter tent, a war re-enactment camp, historical presentations, Victorian games and crafts, and guided tours of the 150-year-old winter hunting estate with reenactors portraying various members...
DeBary Hall: Spring Tea
March 19 @11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a house tour. Guests may sample two teas as hostesses dressed in Victorian clothing describe the history of tea and offer instruction on tea etiquette.
Seating is limited, and tickets must...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
March 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: Florida's Coast-to-Coast Trail
March 21 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join avid cyclist Edith Kohlbach for a presentation featuring Florida’s 260-mile Coast-to-Coast Trail, stretching from St. Petersburg to Titusville and Edgewater. Through stories, insights, and practical tips, Kohlbach will walk you through trail navigation, must-see sections, and her top recommen...
DeBary Hall: Ten Things to Do Around DeBary Before You Die
March 28 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Author and historian Robert Redd will present a lively talk highlighting unique attractions and experiences in and around DeBary. A native Floridian, Redd is the author of “100 Things to Do in Daytona Beach Before You Die.” This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored...
