Welcome to the City of Lake Helen – “Its Lure Is Lasting”

The Mayor and Commissioners have set the course for a prosperous future through their strong commitment to sound infrastructure, and preservation efforts providing a safe community for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the quality of life in a small-town atmosphere.

Our elected officials work with neighborhood residents and community organizations to improve neighborhoods and the quality of life for citizens. Citizens access leisure services through parks and playgrounds, the library, and community events.

The administration and employees of the city of Lake Helen are dedicated to meeting the municipal needs of its citizens. Lake Helen also offers police services to the community.

Resources

This section provides resources of frequently requested information regarding services and local activities. This is not a comprehensive list of either City of Lake Helen services or neighborhood activities.

Can’t Find What You Need? Call City Hall at (386) 228-2121.

• Golf Carts: City of Lake Helen is a golf-cart friendly community. Register golf carts at the Lake Helen Police Department (386) 228-2145.
• Boating: Sailboats, rowboats, or boats with trolling motors only, are allowed on the lakes. No jet skis, no cast netting, no swimming or diving, no wake zone.
• Events & City Meetings
• Beautification Program
• Lake Helen’s little pantry
• Parks & Recreation
• Volunteer
• American Legion
• Boys & Girls Club
• Equestrian Activities
• Lake Helen Library
• Market In The Park
• Museum
• Shoestring Theatre

City Contacts

• City Hall: (386) 228-2121
  Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am—4:30 pm
• Electric Service - Duke Energy (1-800) 700-8744
• Post Office: (386) 228-2227
• Public Library: (386) 228-1152
• Telephone Service - Century Link: (1-800)-339-1811
• TV Cable Service - Spectrum: (386) 775-7300
• Trash Pick-up - Waste Pro: (386) 788-8890
• Water Provider - City of Lake Helen: (386) 228-2121
• Public School - Volusia Pines Elementary: (386) 575-4125

Lake Helen Historical Narrative

Lake Helen became incorporated in the summer of 1888. The village was the brain-child of Henry DeLand, who named his new village, Lake Helen after his daughter.

With the addition of two hotels, the Harlan Hotel (named after his son), and a little later the Granville Hote, Lake Helen quickly became a Winter retreat for north-easterners; making Lake Helen a destination spot for New Englanders anxious to retreat from the harsh Winters.

Lake Helen flourished. Citrus groves were planted and thrived, a sawmill and the Bond Brick Company were established. It was an arduous journey early on by steamer and horse or mule wagon from the St. Johns River until the arrival of the railroad into Lake Helen in 1887.

Lake Helen grew quickly, with many new homes being built each season, of the local southern yellow pine. Many of them still stand today as a tribute to the craftsmanship of the times. This was the “Boom Time” for Lake Helen.

Sadly the winter of 1894-1895 brought the “big freeze”. Most of the citrus trees were destroyed and many families lost everything. Many people left and some replanted but it was never the same.

Lake Helen carried on into the 20’s and 30’s and time seemed to “pass her by”. Because she remained undiscovered she continued to be a quaint little community off the beaten path, with tree-lined streets and a slow pace that is ever so inviting.

Lake Helen has stood the test of time, it still remains a place where folks enjoy a walk or bike ride through lazy sun dappled lanes. One can see neighbors chatting… and greeting passersby with a friendly wave and a smile.

Visit the Lake Helen Museum located inside City Hall.

Walking Tour

Music: The Jazz by AurbanniAudio

Volunteer

At the heart of every great community is a volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to get to know your community and your local government.

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