DeBary Hall Historic Site
Tour Notice: There will be no tours available during the following times:
- Friday, October 9: 10 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, October 10: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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
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...
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...
Creepy Candlelight Tour
October 24 @8:15 pm to 9:15 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...
