Historic Sites You Must Visit in Volusia County
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Whether you’re a history buff, a homeschooling parent, or just looking for meaningful places to explore with your family, Volusia County is bursting with stories waiting to be discovered. From Native American heritage to early settler life and aviation history, the area offers an incredible range of sites that are fun, affordable, and educational.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the most captivating historic spots in Volusia County—and how to make the most of each visit with your family.
DeBary Hall Historic Site
📍 198 Sunrise Blvd, DeBary
Step back into the late 1800s at DeBary Hall, the former winter hunting estate of a wealthy wine importer. The beautifully preserved home offers guided tours, a visitor center with a theater, and interactive exhibits for kids.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Victorian-era furnishings and architecture
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A horse stable, icehouse, and wine cellar
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“The Imagidome” multimedia storytelling theater—perfect for young minds!
🎟 Admission: $5 adults / $3 children
🔗 Visit DeBary Hall
💡 Family Tip: Plan for 1–2 hours. Bring water and enjoy the shaded picnic area!
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
📍 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet
Climb Florida’s tallest lighthouse—203 steps to breathtaking views! The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is also a National Historic Landmark with several restored buildings and exhibits that tell the story of Florida’s coastal navigation history.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Lighthouse climb (ages 5+ recommended)
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Keepers’ dwellings, oil house, and lens exhibit
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A hands-on kids’ activity room in summer months
🎟 Admission: $6.95 adults / $1.95 children
🔗 Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
💡 Family Tip: Visit early in the day to beat the heat—and don’t forget your camera!
The Timucuan Midden at Tomoka State Park
📍 2099 N Beach St, Ormond Beach
This site offers a glimpse into the ancient lives of the Timucua people, the Indigenous inhabitants of northeast Florida. Massive shell mounds (middens) remain from early village life, nestled within beautiful Tomoka State Park.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Nature trails with historic markers
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Canoe rentals and scenic overlooks
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A statue honoring Chief Tomokie
🎟 Park Entry: $5/vehicle
🔗 Tomoka State Park
💡 Family Tip: Bring bug spray and stop by the visitor center for a quick overview before exploring.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement
📍 1776 Lightfoot Ln, Barberville
This living history museum features authentic 19th-century buildings relocated from across Florida. Explore a historic schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, train depot, and even a working sugar cane mill.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Hands-on demonstrations for kids
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Farm animals and old-time games
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School field trips and family events
🎟 Admission: $10 adults / $5 children
🔗 Barberville Settlement
💡 Family Tip: Attend one of their seasonal festivals for an immersive pioneer day experience.
New Smyrna Museum of History
📍 120 Sams Ave, New Smyrna Beach
Located in the historic Old Post Office building, this museum tells the story of early British settlers, sugar plantations, steamboat life, and World War II aviation in NSB.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Exhibits on the Turnbull Colony and Seminole Wars
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Artifacts from shipwrecks and coastal defense
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Child-friendly exhibits and scavenger hunts
🎟 Admission: $8 adults / Free for kids under 12
🔗 NSB History Museum
💡 Family Tip: Walk to nearby Riverside Park after for lunch and a playground break!
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
📍 910 Biscayne Blvd, DeLand
A hidden gem! This volunteer-run museum is full of vintage aircraft, flight simulators, and naval aviation history—including DeLand’s role in WWII as a training hub.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Real Navy jets and helicopters
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Historical exhibits & memorabilia
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Guided tours by former servicemen
🎟 Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
🔗 DeLand Naval Museum
💡 Family Tip: Great for kids who love airplanes and military history. Small and easy to explore in under an hour.
Sugar Mill Ruins Historic Site
📍 600 Mission Dr, New Smyrna Beach
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this free outdoor attraction features the coquina stone ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill, giving kids space to explore and parents a shady, serene spot to reflect.
🕰 What to Expect:
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Open-air ruins with informative signage
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Picnic tables and plenty of photo ops
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Free to visit, no reservations required
💡 Family Tip: Bring bug spray and snacks. It’s a great pre-beach morning stop!
Bonus: Historic Downtowns to Stroll
DeLand Historic District
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Murals, sculptures, and preserved architecture
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Boutique shops and local cafés
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Walkable and stroller-friendly
Canal Street in New Smyrna
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Coastal charm meets local history
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Antique shops, art galleries, and weekly events
Ormond Beach Heritage Trail
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Self-guided walking trail with historical plaques
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Lovely riverfront views and historic homes
Tips for a Fun Family History Adventure
✔️ Pack a “history explorer” kit:
Include a small notebook, colored pencils, water bottles, and mini binoculars.
✔️ Add learning moments:
Encourage kids to ask questions and journal what they see.
✔️ Keep visits short and sweet:
Most sites are easy to explore in 1–2 hours—ideal for summer outings.
✔️ Bring a map or printables:
Several locations offer free scavenger hunts or guides for kids!
💬 Final Thoughts
Volusia County’s rich history comes alive when you step off the beaten path and into the places where the past is preserved and celebrated. Whether you’re climbing a lighthouse, watching a blacksmith at work, or standing where Indigenous tribes once lived—there’s a lesson, a story, and a memory waiting for you.
✨ So gather your family, pack your explorer bag, and start your historic adventure—right here in your own backyard.
