Description:
In 1923, New York financier Alfred B. Maclay and his wife Louise began planting the floral wonderland that surrounded their winter home on Lake Hall, on Tallahassee's northeastern outskirts. After her husband's death in 1944, Louise continued his dream of an ornamental garden to delight the public. In 1953, the land was bequeathed to the state of Florida. On more than 300 acres, there are at least 200 varieties of flowers; 28 acres are devoted exclusively to azaleas and camellias. The surrounding park provides nature trails, canoe rentals, boating, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. The high blooming season is January through April, with the peak about mid-March. Beyond the house and gardens, the state park includes Lake Overstreet, around which wind 5.5 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails, making this a major venue for those outdoor activities.
- © Frommer's 2012
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Awards:
Frommer's
- Highly Recommended 2010
- Details
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Contact:
- visit website
- tel: 850/487-4556
Address:
- 3540 Thomasville Rd
- U.S. 319, north of I-10
- Tallahassee, FL 32312
Hours:
- Park daily 8am-sunset. Gardens daily 9am-5pm. Maclay House Jan-Apr daily 9am-5pm
Strenuousness:
- Easy
- User Rating
