Things To Do in Deland
 

Hi. Planning on going to Deland to visit the Stetson Mansion. I am looking for ideas on other things to do in the area. I did a Deland forum search & only found reference to the mansion. I'm looking forward to any suggestions that you may have.
Thanks, Vicki.

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i am not familiar with deland and have wanted to see that mansion! i do know that the nearby towns of Eustis and Mt Dora are cute to walk around in or take a boat ride on the lakes...will be interested in other replies!

An interesting place to visit in Deland (actually on the St. Johns river...) is to visit Hontoon Island State Park (HISP). The Park has a (free) electrically-driven pontoon boat that they use to trans port visitors across the river. ...Kinda fun.

HISP is a very good place to have a picnic if you're so inclined. Parking is free, the ferry boat is free, and as I recall HISP is the only state park with NO entrance fee!

Also, just a few miles south of Deland is Blue Spring SP (on the river); a very good manatee viewing area.

Casey&Mary

There is also a very nice (at least online) up and coming retirement community in Deland. Can't remember the name exactly. But I checked it out on line before I bought in TV. The homes were less expensive and looked really beautiful. They rode around on golf carts and seemed to have plenty to do. I didn't go visit because I wasn't going to be in Florida again for quite a while and didn't want to wait to buy my house in case prices skyrocked. And I already knew how much I loved TV. But it did look quite promising.

Only had time to visit the Stetson Mansion and eat lunch. There are many nice restaurants in the downtown area. We ate at a Latin fusion type restaurant and it was really good.

Suggest looking at Trip Advisor for ratings.

Thanks for your input. I really want to see it all!

Do the skydiving school at the Deland Airport.

Manatee watching in Blue Springs State Park in nearby Orange City.

Short drive to Daytona Beach etc

Visit nearby DeLeon State Park and Springs. There is a sugar mill and restaurant where you can grill pancakes at your table. The narrated cruise is through old Florida swamp.

Deland isn't what I would call close to Eustis or Mt Dora.

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Thank you all for all the valuable input.
Thanks, Vicki.

I lived in Deltona for 9 years, and almost every day was in Deland. The last time i was there in 2002 the Main St, was lovely, make sure you visit the old courthouse, Blue Springs in Orange City, and DeLeon Springs a short drive from Deland. Nice Golf Courses in Orange City too

OPS, forgot the restored mansion in DeBary

How about the Reptile Discovery Center in Deland. Here's the link: Reptile Discovery Center - Home