Stetson Mansion, Florida’s most historic home and only Gilded Age mansion, is the No. 1 attraction in the state and one of the top 10 U.S. attractions, according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards. In fact, it was the only attraction in the Sunshine State to make the list.
Located west of DeLand, Stetson Mansion joins iconic places such as the Empire State Building in New York City, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and The National WWII Museum in New Orleans as being one of the best attractions to visit in the country. Stetson Mansion came in at number 10.
Tripadvisor says this year’s awards were given to attractions with tour operators who provided exceptional experiences to their guests.
“We are honored to once again be recognized for our dedication to our guests,” said Michael Solari, co-owner of Stetson Mansion. “We are often acknowledged for our Christmas Spectacular home tours, but to have Stetson Mansion seen as a top attraction year-round is a great achievement and testament to the work we put into our tours every day.”
“West Volusia County has so many incredible destinations, and Stetson Mansion is always on the top of our list for visitors,” said Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority. “With so much history and its beautifully preserved architecture and features, it’s fun for visitors to see just how unique this attraction truly is.”
Stetson Mansion, known as the “House That Hats Built,” was the home of John B. Stetson — Florida’s first “snowbird” — who left an amazing cultural legacy beyond the world’s most famous hat. Stetson was known for giving back to the community and donating generously to charities, as well as for being a progressive employer.
He had a specific affinity for DeLand and made it his family’s winter home. He became the main benefactor for the state’s first private university — named Stetson University in his honor in 1889 — and brought electricity to DeLand, making it the first area in Florida with electric streetlights.
Stetson Mansion is the first and only “Gilded Age” mansion in Florida and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s a great time to visit Stetson Mansion, as it will soon celebrate Legacy Week. From July 9 to July 16, special Stetson Legacy Tours will be available twice daily showcasing many rare Stetson family heirlooms. For more information and to make reservations, visit stetsonmansion.com.
West Volusia offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy parks, pristine natural beauty, historical homes like Stetson Mansion, a vibrant downtown, and award-winning restaurants within 14 distinct communities. Visitors can also enjoy Downtown DeLand — voted America’s BEST Mainstreet — and its many delectable restaurants, or, for a bit more adventure, head out on the St. Johns River or explore Blue Spring or DeLeon Springs state parks.
These are just a few of the many natural, cultural and historical area attractions you will find when visiting West Volusia.
