Mission
To foster and share awareness of West Volusia County as a distinct place to visit, live, work and play by preserving, protecting, enhancing and promoting the historical, cultural, agricultural, archaeological, scenic, natural, recreational and scenic resources of the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor region.

Vision
The River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Scenic Highway borders Florida’s only federally designated American Heritage River, the 310-mile-long St. Johns River, and encompasses 15 historically and culturally distinct towns. The vision of the Corridor Management Entity (CME) has led to roadway and adjacent enhancements that reflect the Corridor’s historic and rural character. Linking the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor with other scenic highways including the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and the Heritage Crossroads: Miles of History creates a cohesive network of interesting and attractive Florida roadways. Coordination with these designated highways has provided additional cross marketing and promotional opportunities.

Strong public-private partnerships and grass-roots outreach efforts continue to engender community support and participation. Partners work to preserve and protect our agricultural and rural landscapes, environmental lands and habitats, and scenic, cultural and historic resources. The Corridor’s rich archaeological, natural and cultural heritage is communicated to residents and visitors through festivals, interactive interpretive displays, educational programs, town hall meetings, historical markers, informational signage, brochures and a website.

The Heritage Corridor has improved access to its national, state, county and local parks, refuges and preserves. Multi-use trails and paths facilitate family friendly outdoor recreation that includes bicycling, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Trails have been enhanced with attractive trailheads, multi-language interpretive signage, interactive displays and historical markers. They connect with state and local trails creating a network of multi-use trails.

Additional multi-modal transportation enhancements such as commuter rail and bicycle lanes draw residents and visitors to and through the Corridor, and encourage alternative forms of transportation along busy highways. Streetscapes connect historic districts and create a sense of community, preserving the region’s small-town atmosphere. The successful DeLand mural program has been extended throughout the Corridor and new murals are added regularly to depict the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Our National Register historic districts continue to encourage preservation and restoration of historic structures throughout the Corridor. Other notable historic preservation efforts have been focused on the Strawn Packing House & Sawmill, the Seville School, the Barberville Central High School, the Underhill House, the Iglesia Cristiana Church and the Thornby Property.

The River of Lakes Heritage Corridor CME maintains strong partnerships among the communities of the Corridor. County, city and other governmental comprehensive plans have been integrated with protection efforts to preserve the unique historic, cultural and scenic value of West Volusia.