Reservations
Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Space is limited. Call 386-740-6813 to reserve your tour.
Admission
$10 for adults
Admission free for WVHS members
The neighborhoods surrounding the West Volusia Historical Society complex are rich in history and filled with architectural gems, and DeLand is the ideal venue for a walking tour - well-preserved historically and compact. Explore landmarks in the areas surrounding the DeLand House Museum and the beautiful avenues of Woodland, Minnesota, Clara and Michigan and hear stories about the intriguing people who lived and worked there in walking tours led by experienced WVHS docents.
This 75 minute tour highlights the Old Northwest Residential District, following a beautiful pathway on West Michigan, West Minnesota, and North Clara Avenues, and the historic Stetson University Campus District along North Woodland Boulevard. Hear the stories of well-known DeLand pioneers and Stetson personalities and the houses they lived in. See upcoming tour dates on the schedule - top right.
Learn to identify a variety of architectural styles, from frame vernacular farmhouses built at the end of the 1800s, to Colonial Revival homes built in the early 1900's and Mediterranean Revival of the 1920's, and learn the history of Stetson University's historic buildings.
You’ll hear stories of DeLand's frontier past, of early settlers - Allen, Codrington and Shimer, and Stetson personalities - Stetson, Hulley, Stover, and Farriss. You'll learn about the great freeze, the booming 20's and realized Henry DeLand's vision of the 'Athens of Florida', becoming one of America's most charming and livable cities.
Tour Dates
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - NW Residential
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Stetson
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - NW Residential
Saturday, April 18, 2026 - Stetson
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Stetson
All tours depart at 10:30 am WVHS Conrad Center 137 W Michigan Ave, DeLand Please arrive at 10:15 for check in
Old Northwest Residential District
Stetson University Historic Campus Tour
This 75 minute tour highlights the historic Stetson University campus. Walking through the campus, learn how the university was founded, it's early development and significant donors. Discover how the campus grew from a single academy building in 1884 to the beautiful buildings surrounding the iconic Holler fountain. See upcoming tour dates on the schedule - top right.
