The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is a 32,000 square-foot facility featuring a state-of-the-art space mission simulator, an IMAX® theater and a domed high-definition planetarium. The capitol buildings new and old epitomize Tallahassee's proud heritage. At the new capitol, visitors get a glimpse of government in action and a panoramic view of the city from the 22nd floor observatory.
History, nature and wildlife are spun together at the Museum of History and Natural Science (Tallahassee Museum), telling the story of the culture and natural history of the Big Bend area of Florida. Visitors can stroll through 52 acres of habitats, nature trails and historic structures to better understand their relationship with history and nature.
The estate at Goodwood Museum and Gardens began in the 1830s as a cotton and corn plantation. In 1911 Goodwood's ownership changed and the house and garden underwent major renovations, securing a place among the fine homes of the country estate era. The grounds include cottages available to rent for special events, a skating rink, a newly renovated reflecting pool and charming heirloom gardens. Lunch is also available Tuesday through Friday at Paula's Cabana Cafe.
The beautiful ornamental Maclay Gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred B. and Louise Maclay after they purchased the property for their winter home. A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflecting pool, a walled garden, and hundreds of azaleas and camellias. Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy five miles of multi-use trails that wind through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens.
See history come alive with costumed demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, re-creations of period buildings and archaeological excavations at Mission San Luis, the only reconstructed Spanish mission in Florida. The site was the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704 and was home to 1,500 Spanish and Apalachee Indian residents. The council house is the largest historic Indian building in the Southeast.
The official museum of the state of Florida since it opened in 1977, the Museum of Florida History collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets evidence of past and present cultures in Florida. Permanent exhibits range from the prehistoric era to the 20th century and include a nine-foot mastodon skeleton, the St. Johns Diorama (a depiction of an early Timucuan Indian village), a recreated 19th century steamboat and a tribute to Florida citizens in World War II.