DeFuniak Springs & Walton County Heritage Museum

DeFuniak Springs - Chautauqua Assembly

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys,
and where thieves do not break in or steal;
Matthew 6:20

DeFuniak Springs was a former winter destination of the wealthy and a participant in the turpentine industry.

Speakers and lecturers would gather for the Chautauqua Assembly each year in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. 

A circle of historic homes built in that time period surrounds a large pond fed by the local springs.

Walton County Heritage Museum

In addition to the homes are a small museum in the old train depot, a library, a pretty cool red caboose, and the large assembly building.  The library is the oldest library operating in the state of Florida.   

 Stop by the local visitor’s center or museum to pick up a map with descriptions of each historic building.

 



Little red caboose adjacent to museum

The museum and visitor’s center have limited days and hours. 
 
While this town was once the hubbub of activity and tourism, it is not currently maintained and has fallen somewhat into disrepair.  If your travelers enjoy historic sites, the small museum, caboose, and library plus the drive around the pond with the map may interest them. 

While we enjoyed visiting as a couple, it is a distance from 30A and I probably would not make it a high priority for us to return with the children. 

DeFuniak Springs is a reminder that this life is a vapor.  Granted to us are temporary delights from the Father who loves to give gifts to His children, keeping in mind these are only a glimpse of what He has in store for eternity where neither moth nor rust destroy.