The countdown to summer break has begun. Most parents and grandparents are hastily searching for camps, Vacation Bible Schools, day trips and activities to fill the calendar. For a fun, family-friendly activity, consider hitting the trail to visit the “Wings of the West” around Volusia County.
Most are familiar with the angel wings on Artisan Alley, but to complete your trek you’ll need to visit the other five in the series. There’s no set path to visit them (North to South or South to North), so we’ll talk about them in Chronological order and let you decide where to begin!
Originally drawn in chalk in 2014, the DeLand Wings are located in Downtown Deland in Artisan Alley, just off Woodland Boulevard. The Florida rain washed off two different versions of the original wings before they were permanently painted on the green industrial doors they call home.
Biplane wings arrived at Skydive DeLand at the beginning of 2018 as the second set of wings. The mechanical set of wings is a stark comparison to the soft, angelic original wings. But they fit in perfectly surrounded by airport businesses.
You’ll have to head north for the next wings. The wings at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement are made of peacock feathers. Unveiled in February 2018, these wings are off the beaten path and require a hunt, similar to the original wings’ location off of the main roads. Head out to the back of the wood shop, navigating through the peacocks which roam the property, and find this whimsical set of wings.
The fourth set of wings take whimsical and match it with sparkle! The Cassadaga Fairy Trail wings debuted in August 2018. Fairy wings made up of pink, blue and green have glitter dust mixed into the paint for the only wings that sparkle. The wings are located on the Fairy Trail off Chauncey Street in the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp.
Making their appearance in October 2018, the wings at the Lyonia Environmental Center are the first set of bird wings in the series. The Florida scrub jay, a threatened species, make their home at the preserve in Deltona and are a brilliant combination of shades of blue. These wings can be found at 2150 Eustace Ave.
The final set of wings were revealed in March 2019 and belong to another local bird. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge hosts a set of wings styled after a swallow-tailed kite. Take Mud Lake Road to the Live Oak Parking Lot and find these wings mounted there.
Erica Group, the artist behind the wings says the series is complete at number six, so don’t expect any additions. Instead, grab a sturdy pair of shoes, your camera, maybe even pack a picnic lunch and head out on the trail to visit the “Wings of the West”.