DeBary Hall Historic Site
Notice: Tour hours temporarily adjusted Tours will not be available until after 12 PM today, Tuesday, September 8 through Thursday, September 10.
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.
Upcoming events
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
September 24 @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
September 25 @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 for this program, which is offe...
DeBary Hall: Historic Bike Ride
October 2 @9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Travel back in time on two wheels during a nine-mile guided bike tour from DeBary Hall Historic Site to Lake Monroe Park and back. Learn about the area’s history, including facts about the Native Americans who inhabited the region thousands of years ago and the development of Gemini Springs Park. ...
DeBary Hall: Truly Off the Beaten Path
October 3 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Zach Zacharias will describe natural wonders, scenic drives, and historic places not found in most of the books that promote “off the beaten path” destinations. These include Bio Lab Road, 9-Mile Road, Fort King National Landmark, and other amazing locations all within a two-hour drive from Dayt...
DeBary Hall: Wing it Wednesday
October 7 @8:30 am to 9:30 am
Lace up your walking shoes and head to Lake Monroe Park for a guided bird walk led by DeBary Hall staff. You will learn about the park's history and cultural significance, practice live bird identification by sight and sound, and receive assistance adding new species to your personal "life list.” ...
DeBary Hall: Upcycled Gardening
October 8 @11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Join certified Master Gardener Sarah Palvelchak for an interactive Lunch & Learn that will inspire you to see everyday household items in a whole new way. Discover creative and practical ways to upcycle items you already have at home into useful and unique garden treasures, while saving money and ke...
DeBary Hall: Witches Tea
October 10 @11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Guests will savor the charm of a traditional Victorian tea, complete with samples of delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, and two fine teas. The experience will also include a guided tour of Frederick deBary's historic hunting estate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. Mystical t...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
October 15 @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
October 16 @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 for this program, which is offe...
DeBary Hall - Creepy Candlelight Tour
October 23 @7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Candles will light the way during a spooky tour designed to startle and activate the imagination. Guests can expect mild frights as they are escorted into the mansion's narrow hallways and darkened rooms – once home to 19th century wine merchant Frederick deBary and his family. Staff will share sc...
DeBary Hall: Learn about Florida's Black Bears
October 24 @1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join Olivia Willams, a bear biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for this presentation about black bears’ biology and behavior. She will also discuss the unique challenges of wildlife management and ways to safely coexist with black bears. This presentation is part...
DeBary Hall: Creepy Candlelight Tour
October 24 @7:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Candles will light the way during a spooky tour designed to startle and activate the imagination. Guests can expect mild frights as they are escorted into the mansion's narrow hallways and darkened rooms – once home to 19th century wine merchant Frederick deBary and his family. Staff will share sc...
DeBary Hall: Line Dancing
October 29 @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
October 30 @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 for this program, which is offe...
