Bartram Gardens and Trail

American naturalist William Bartram came upon scenic Lake Beresford in DeLand during his trip to Florida in 1774. Today, the community can experience the natural nirvana that Bartram encountered when they visit the Bartram Gardens & Trail at Stetson University’s Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center on Lake Beresford. The trail is 1/8 of a mile in length. Named after the renowned environmental explorer, the garden includes a lush, tree-lined path with six large, interpretive kiosks that feature literary descriptions and pen-and-ink drawings and paintings of the creatures, fauna and plants Bartram found while exploring the area. The Bartram destination also includes 10 small sign panels that provide visitors with information about various planted trees and plants in the naturalist’s own words adjacent to the signage. Bartram Gardens & Trail is part of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor, which includes Lake, Seminole and Volusia Counties and part of Brevard County. Stetson students, history aficionados and water enthusiasts can canoe or kayak to areas where Bartram traveled during his expedition along Lake Beresford and other waterways as well as visit the Bartram Gardens & Trail. The Bartram Gardens & Trail is free and open to the public daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset unless otherwise noted. Public access may be restricted during special events.