Tallahassee Tours & Information
Below is a list of sites and activities you may want to include in your itinerary. You may navigate to the various Web sites, if available, by highlighting the titles of each. **Indicates locations usually visited by students**
BLACK ARCHIVES RESEARCH CENTER AND MUSEUM
CALHOUN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT -
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER & IMAX THEATER
DE SOTO STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - A 1539 encampment of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and site of first North American Christmas celebration. Limited access/under restoration. 1022 Gov. Martin/Desoto Park Dr. (850) 922-6007.
FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK -
FLORIDA KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL -
FLORIDA'S VIETNAM ERA VETERANS' MEMORIAL
**FLORIDA SUPREME COURT BUILDING
FOREST CAPITAL STATE MUSEUM
GOODWOOD MUSEUM AND GARDENS -
**GOVERNOR'S MANSION - Tours are generally offered February 1 through May 31 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m. through noon during the Legislative Session. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes. Please call (850) 922-4991 in advance to make arrangements.
KNOTT HOUSE MUSEUM - Known as 'The House That Rhymes' for the poems written by 1928 owner who attached them to its Victorian era furnishings. Gift shop open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Guided tours Wed, Thur., Fri at 1-2-3 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (on the hour) - 301 E. Park Ave. (850) 922-2459.
LAKE JACKSON MOUNDS STATE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE - Six earth temple mounds are evidence of Native Americans' 1200 AD inhabitance on the banks of Lake Jackson. Daily 8 a.m.-sunset. $2 per vehicle, $1 per walk in/bicycle. 3600 Indian Mounds Rd. (850) 922-6007.
**LEGISLATURE - You may go in the gallery, located on the 5th Floor of the New Capitol and observe the Legislature in session. Students/groups - if arrangements are made ahead of time, by a Senator or Representative, with the appropriate Sergeant's and Clerk's Office someone will explain the Chamber and allow for 'votes' to be taken, if the Legislature is not in session.
Le Moyne Art Foundation - Known for its delightful garden and gazebo, as well as its center for art exhibitions, ranging from watercolors to oil and avant-garde to traditional. Located in the Meginnis-Munroe House (1852-53). Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. $1/adults; Free/Kids; Free on Sundays - 125 N. Gadsden Street. (850) 222-8800.
MACLAY STATE GARDENS - 200+ floral varieties plus hiking, biking and nature trails, swimming, fishing and boating. Daily 8 a.m.-sunset; $4/vehicle up to 8 people ($1 each additional person). Additional gardens fee (Jan-April). $4/Adults, $2/Under 12. 3540 Thomasville Rd. (850) 487-4556.
MARY BROGAN MUSEUM OF ART & SCIENCE - The first floor features traveling science exhibits that are always interactive and spectacular. The 2nd floor offers visitors the opportunity to interact with The Brogan's permanent collection. The Eco-Lab with living sea specimens, Early Childhood space, WCTV Weather station and the new Close Up Laboratory will delight visitors for hours. On The Brogan's third floor, visitors will delight in traveling world-class art exhibitions that range from the works of the most famous of artistic masters to the spectacular new styles of contemporary excitement. Mon-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m. $6/Adults, $3.50/Kids/Seniors and Students, Free/Under 3. Located at Kleman Plaza, 350 S. Duval St. (850) 513-0700.
**MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY - This is a self-guided tour. However, for large groups (12 or more) please call for an appointment (a guide will give an introduction). Located in the R.A. Gray Building at 500 S. Bronough St. and is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. For information call (850) 245-6400.
**NEW CAPITOL - Tours takes about 45 minutes. Go to the Information Desk located on the Plaza Level of the New Capitol. For information call and scheduling (850) 488-6167. Groups must call for reservations, as far in advance as possible.
**OLD CAPITOL - This is a self-guided tour located across from the New Capitol, for information call (850) 487-1902.
RILEY MUSEUM CENTER OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE - Built in 1890, the last visible evidence of middle-class black community and repository of African American history from Reconstruction through Civil Rights movement. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Group tours available by appointment. Donations accepted. 419 E. Jefferson St. (850) 681-7881.
SAN LUIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC SITE - Hours of operation are: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. San Luis is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Tours for large groups can be arranged by reservation. Picnic tables are available. For information, prices and directions call (850) 487-3711. San Luis is located approximately three miles northwest of the Capitol complex.
SAN MARCOS DE APALACHE STATE HISTORIC SITE - Site of two wooden forts circa 1500, replaced by a stone fort, circa 1739. During the 1800s the fort's stones were used to build a US marine hospital. Thurs-Mon 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $1/Person. 148 Old Fort Road, St. Marks, FL (850) 922-6007.
ST. MARKS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - 68,000 acres along the Gulf Coast, home to more than 250 species of birds, waterfowl and diverse habitats, historic St. Marks Lighthouse, boat ramps, nature trails, fishing, hunting, hiking, special events, educational programs and visitors center. Group Rates available. (850) 925-6121.
TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM OF HISTORY & NATURAL SCIENCE - 3945 Museum Drive. You will see native animals, historical buildings, and 1880's farm. Please see their website or call for information on different tours depending on age of children, pricing and directions. Picnic facilities are available, (850) 575-8684.
UNION BANK - Self guided tour. Located across from the Old Capitol. The hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Groups please call in advance. For information and reservation call (850) 487-1902.
WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK - One of world's deepest freshwater springs features glass bottom and river-boat tours, swimming, trails, 1937 lodge and fine dining. Daily 8 a.m.-sunset. $4 per vehicle up to 8 people, $1 each additional person. Boat Tours: $6/Adult, $4/Kids - Wakulla Springs, FL 224-5950.
The grounds include cottages, which are available to rent for special events, a skating rink, newly renovated reflecting pool and charming heirloom gardens. Gardens/Grounds open Mon.- Fri.10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (FREE). Main House Tours open Thurs. - Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5/person; (Free ages 3 & under.) Garden Cafe open Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (850) 877-4202. - Exhibits celebrate history of Florida forestry and feature a 'Cracker Homestead' authentic settler's farm. Thursday-Mon 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $1/Person, free under 5. Perry, FL (850) 584-3227. - Offer 3 levels of tours - 1) Mock Oral Arguments 2) Historical Tour, and 3) self guided tour. However, for 10 or more you must call for an appointment. The court usually convenes the first full week of each month and small groups may observe the Justices if they remain during the entire oral argument. The remainder of the month, the students may participate in a mock trial. Please view their website for tour schedules. The Supreme Court is located behind the New Capitol the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call (850) 921-9446 for an appointment. - Located across from the Capitol on Monroe Street. Commemorated Veteran's Day 1985 to honor men and who served our country from Florida in the Vietnam era. Look for the big United States Flag. Monument commemorates Floridians who served in the Korean War - Cascades Park, off E. Gaines Street. Calcite formations, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws and draperies, plus horse/nature trails, RV/tent camping, fishing, swimming and canoeing. PARK: Daily 8 am - sunset; $4 per vehicle up to 8 people ($1 each additional person). CAVE TOUR: $6/Adults, $3/Kids, Free/under 3. - 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, FL 32446; Marianna, FL (850) 482-9598. - Featuring simulated 'mission control' and space station laboratory, 50-foot dome planetarium, and a 2D SR theater and 50' by 70' flat screen. School groups, teacher workshops, corporate/ civic groups, birthday parties, and summer/holiday camps. Call for fees. Located in Kleman Plaza, S. Duval St. and College Ave. (850) 645-star [7827] or 644-imax.Take a leisurely stroll along this historic district which was added to the national register of historic places in 1979; dubbed 'gold dust street' back in the late 1800s because of the affluent political and social residents who built homes here; historic homes include the Towle House [1847], Tallahassee Garden Center* [1840], Randall-Lewis House [1835], Bloxham House [1940s], Elizabeth Cobb House [1880], one of the few remaining examples of Victorian-gothic architecture, and Bowen House [1830]. - This is a self-guided tour, however, for large groups please call in advance to arrange a time. Also can be a guided tour. Located in 1907 Carnegie Library (the oldest building on the Florida A&M University Campus) and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (850) 599-3020.