Real places, real neighborhoods and current market numbers, verified by broker Ryan C. Winslow.
What Lake Helen is known for
Lake Helen calls itself the Gem of Florida. It is a small historic city in West Volusia with Victorian-era homes, shady tree-lined streets and a National Register historic district. It also sits next to Cassadaga, home of the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp.
Henry A. DeLand founded Lake Helen in 1883 and named it after his daughter Helen. The Town of Lake Helen was incorporated on October 24, 1888. The Lake Helen Historic District, with 71 historic buildings, joined the National Register of Historic Places on September 16, 1993. Lake Helen is a quiet small city of about 2,800 people, with a median age of about 50 at the 2020 census. Days center on small parks, lakes, horse events and community festivals, with DeLand and I-4 a short drive away.
Where to live
The historic core, bounded by West New York, Lakeview, Park and Euclid Avenues. About 350 acres with 71 historic buildings, stately older homes and churches along tree-lined streets. (source)
A 57-acre Spiritualist community founded in 1894, just south of Lake Helen city limits. Historic homes and camp buildings sit around the Colby Memorial Temple and Hotel Cassadaga. It is a National Register historic district. (source)
The small civic center of town, with City Hall at 327 S. Lakeview Drive, Blake Park and a few local shops. Older homes on quiet streets are within walking distance. (source)
The south side of town around Lake Macy, near Lake Macy Park and Volusia Pines Elementary on E. Kicklighter Road. A good fit for buyers who want to be near the lake, the school and Cassadaga. (source)
The area around the city-owned Lake Helen Equestrian Center on Pleasant Street. This part of town hosts the Strawberry Fest and horse events and appeals to buyers who want room for outdoor living. (source)
Local favorites
Owner-run breakfast, brunch and lunch spot next to the I-4 exit 116 interchange, a few minutes from Lake Helen. Locals mention the Friday fish fry. (source)
You cook pancakes on a griddle at your table inside a historic mill building in De Leon Springs State Park. (source)
A longtime downtown DeLand choice for special occasions, with dishes like creole shrimp and grits. (source)
Tapas, sangria and a weekend brunch, with many vegan options. Diners talk about the hibiscus tacos. (source)
Cuban plates like picadillo and mojo pork with rice, beans and sweet plantains. (source)
Small-batch roaster that offers pour-over coffee and pastries. (source)
Coffee, pastries and sandwiches in the historic downtown. (source)
Handmade chocolates, vintage candy and an ice cream counter in the back. (source)
After hours
City equestrian venue on Pleasant Street that hosts horse events and the yearly Lake Helen Strawberry Fest. (source)
Historic community hall on Connecticut Avenue used for local events and as the starting point for the Lake Helen Christmas Home Tour. (source)
Courtyard bar and live music venue in downtown DeLand. (source)
Downtown DeLand craft brewery with a roll-up garage door that opens onto the street. (source)
Wine bar and shop on Woodland Boulevard, known for a relaxed local crowd and live music. (source)
Shopping
The camp's bookstore and welcome center at 1112 Stevens Street. Books, gifts and information on readings, tours and services. (source)
Books, gemstones, tarot cards, sterling silver jewelry and handmade candles, oils and soaps inside the 1927 hotel. (source)
Downtown DeLand shop for men's clothing and gifts. (source)
Plant shop and home goods market on West New York Avenue that also hosts classes. (source)
Outdoors
City park at 126 Washington Ave. E. with a large pavilion, courts and a fenced dog area. Weekend markets and car shows are held here. (source)
City lakefront park on E. Kicklighter Road with a covered pavilion, picnic area and a dock on Lake Macy. (source)
123-acre county park at 1099 Massachusetts St. in Cassadaga with fishing, a playground, a volleyball court and shaded picnic tables. (source)
Nearest state park. 72-degree spring on the St. Johns River where hundreds of manatees gather from mid-November through March. Day-use reservations are required starting July 15, 2026. (source)
Spring-fed swimming area, paddling, trails and eco-heritage boat tours. (source)
About 21,574-acre refuge established in 1964 for migratory birds, with about 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking and birding. (source)
Undeveloped barrier island beach with dunes, Mosquito Lagoon and Timucua shell mounds. The Apollo Beach entrance is the closest. (source)
Things to do
Spiritualist community founded in 1894 with services at the historic Colby Memorial Temple, certified mediums, workshops and tours. (source)
Historic hotel built in 1927 that offers rooms, psychic readings and classes. (source)
A walkable 350-acre district of historic homes and churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. (source)
Historic downtown DeLand theatre with musicals, plays and concerts. (source)
Paved 12-foot-wide trail running 52 miles from Deltona to Edgewater, plus a 10-mile leg to Titusville. (source)
On the calendar
Two-day festival at the Lake Helen Equestrian Center with strawberry shortcake, a pie-eating contest, pony rides, a petting farm and a free cirque show. (source)
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp event with vendors, mini lectures, food trucks and short readings with certified mediums. (source)
Citywide yard sale over several days that draws thousands of visitors. Seller maps are posted online and around town. (source)
Spirit walk photo tours, mediumship, readings, artists and vendors across the camp over two weekends. (source)
Decorated historic homes, churches, the historic City Hall and the Lake Helen Museum, plus a guided architectural tour starting at Hopkins Hall. (source)
Schools
Volusia Pines Elementary
Listed for reference, not ranked. Confirm school zoning for any address with the district. (source)
Broker notes
I-4 (exit 116 at Orange Camp Road), Cassadaga Road, S. Lakeview Drive
Daytona Beach International (about 35 min), Orlando Sanford International (about 30 min), Orlando International (about 55 min)
Ryan C. Winslow, broker/owner of Winslow Homes. REALTOR® since 2009, 3,000+ homes sold, broker in FL, MA, CT and RI, U.S. Army Retired.
Researched and verified 2026-09-28. Businesses change; call ahead.