Pierson, Florida

DeLand, with 30,000 plus residents, is centrally located between the Orlando attractions to the southwest and the Atlantic beaches on the northeast. It is noted as a thriving city distinct in its history as well as what it has to offer visitors. With interesting and definitely unique retail shops. From stories in the media to online travel sites, DeLand is recognized as an exciting travel destination or possibly even a place to spend a lifetime.

Located on the St. Johns River, we welcome visitors to enjoy nature, recreation, and history. Evidence of Native American habitation over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike through the park. Walk through the impressive visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and uses of Hontoon Island over the years. The island is accessible only by private boat or park ferry.

In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200, and by 2023 that number skyrocketed to a record 729. Besides "sea cows," fish abound in the spring run and attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers.

The National Forests in Florida manage three national forests: Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. Combined, these national forest lands span almost 1.2 million acres in north and central Florida. That 1.2 million acres includes about 500,000 acres of wetlands and more than 85,000 acres of designated federal wilderness. More than 1,400 miles of trails and 118 developed recreation sites host more than 1.1 million visitors every year.

Spring Garden Ranch was founded in 1912 by Frederick Northrup Burt, the former owner of F.N. Burt Boxing Co. in Buffalo, New York. He started the company F.N. Burt Boxing Co. in 1886. The company did, and still does manufacture fancy paperboard packaging. He sold it to Moore Corp in 1909 and subsequently moved to Florida. A crew was formed by F.N Burt in order to clear out the untouched land of the ranch’s location in Deleon Springs, Florida. He started building barns, a water tower and a few other structures, which are still in existence to this day. Originally a cattle and dairy farm, Spring Garden Ranch evolved into a standardbred training facility in 1949.

Since 1982, we have been introducing, teaching, and enjoying the sport of skydiving with new and experienced jumpers alike. We passionately follow our mission to provide training for skydivers of all levels, from first time jumpers to word class competitive athletes. Our full-service Drop Zone is open every day of the year and offers personalized experiences for jumpers of all skill levels. As one of West Volusia’s leading tourist attractions, Skydive DeLand is located just off of I-4 and is centrally located to many other attractions in the Central Florida area. We are an hour’s drive from Orlando, “The Theme Park Capital”, and just a half-hour’s drive from Daytona Beach.

When the time is right for you to plan a vacation, we've got some great ideas! BEACHES - 23 miles of iconic white-sand beaches OUTDOORS – hike or bike miles of trails, explore parks, hit the golf links, and enjoy outdoor activities FOOD+DRINK – savor local flavors, from casual eateries to waterfront dining INSPIRATION – view our Destination Guide, sign up for our newsletter, and explore history, arts and culture.

The history of Daytona International Speedway began in 1953 when Bill France Sr. realized the days of racing on the beach were numbered due to spreading land usage of a rapidly growing population and huge race crowds. France put his plans for the future of racing in Daytona Beach, Florida in motion on April 4, 1953 with a proposal to construct a permanent speedway facility. On August 16, 1954, France signed a contract with City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County officials to build what would become Daytona International Speedway, the "World Center of Racing." In 1957, land clearing began for the Speedway.