Lake Helen, Florida
Lake Helen is the perfect vacation destination to enjoy the attractions of Florida and much more. This lakeside small town in Volusia County, in the Deltona-Daytona Beach metro area lies between Orlando and Daytona. Surrounded by scenic countryside this small rural community just outside DeLand, known for bass, has many fishing lakes nearby. Combine a theme park or beach vacation with a rural retreat.
About The Community
In 1858 there was nothing but a log cabin in the area around a small lake until Henry DeLand, founder of Stetson University, established a sawmill, built a hotel and named the place after his daughter Helen. Today less than three thousand people live in Lake Helen permanently though it is a popular vacation spot. Most people have always lived here and there are no recent immigrants in the community.
Nautilus, the well-known exercise equipment, was first developed and manufactured in Lake Helen in a modern industrial complex that dominates one side of the town. Pyramax Studios now occupies the former Nautilus site. Lake Helen was in the national news due to a local nun who became a police officer after retiring from teaching in 1999. Today development focuses around an equestrian and recreational area.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
A unique settlement occupies the southeastern corner of Lake Helen. Cassadaga, a Spiritualist community owns almost sixty acres that house a cluster of tiny cottages and a large19th century hotel along with a couple of shops that specialize in new age tracts, tapes, and crystals. About 25 of the Camp’s residents are mediums who offer counseling from their homes. Designated a Historic District on the National Register Of Historic Places in 1991, it is a community of like-minded people who live, worship and work in harmony with their beliefs.
George P. Colby a trance medium from Pike, New York established the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association community under advice from his spirit guide, Seneca in 1894. He chose the location for its unique energy level. The word Cassadaga means “Rocks beneath the water” to Seneca Indians. Known as “The Psychic Center of the World” it is home to some of America’s finest psychics. It is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States.
Vicinity of Lake Helen
Additional Details
The Ann Stevens House, an 1890’s country Victorian Main House and a 1990’s Carriage House, is proud to be the best country Inn in Florida. Guests love “Sherlock’s” an English-style Pub. Guestrooms are large and well appointed with French windows leading to a private, screened porch. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi, but you can relax in a hot tub in the screened Victorian Gazebo in the Courtyard. Partake in a full country breakfast served under a sign that reads Sit Long, Talk Much, and Laugh Often.
Another popular B& B is the Cabin on the Lake. Here you can enjoy the warmth of a log home or lounge on the deck as you gaze over the lawn and lake. Enjoy a massage as you relax to music or step back in time with a horse drawn carriage ride.
