Year 2008
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Media Kit: Sightseeing
Missions, Magnolias and Mastadons Tallahassee Sightseeing
(850)410-6425 FAX (850)410-6189The Challenger Learning center is an amazing living testimony to the dream of the STS 51L Challenger crew of 1986. This facility features space mission simulation, and IMAX theatre, planetarium and laser theatre, an observatory, distance learning classroom, exhibit hall, and worlds more! The Challenger center can accommodate school-based youth groups, non school-based youth groups, adult groups, summer and holiday camps, and teacher professional development. The mission of the Challenger Center is to inspire, to explore, and to teach. Opened Spring 2003 2525 Pottsdammer St. Tallahassee, Fl. 32301-6046
850-513-0700
Interactive hands-on science center and national traveling art and science exhibitions. Family focused science demonstrations/programs each Sat. $6/adults, $3.50/kids, seniors & students, FREE/under 3; Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm Downtown at Kleman Plaza, 350 S. Duval St. www.thebrogan.org (1-2 hours)
Low sprawling oaks, draped with Spanish moss create dramatic emerald tunnels of dancing sunlight on these specially protected roads: Miccosukee, Centerville, Old St. Augustine, Meridian and Old Bainbridge. Our version of Sleepy Hollow.
576-1636
Red wolves, Florida panthers, alligators and other fascinating wildlife in a 52-acre natural habitat; an authentic 1880s farm; the original plantation home of the wife of Napoleon's nephew; nature trails, hands-on discovery center; and special exhibits bring a world of wonder to visitors.
488-1484
Standing nine feet tall, Herman, a skeletal prehistoric mastodon -- originally weighing about five tons -- was pulled from Wakulla Springs in the 1930s. The museum "mascot" oversees the Prehistoric Florida Exhibit, Spanish Treasures, war relics and even a riverboat.
487-1902
Restored to its 1902 American Rennaissance appearance with red candy-striped awnings and glorious dome, the distinct, white structure is the pearl of "Capitol Hill."
413-9200
Chambers of the House and Senate buzz with political zeal during the March through May legislative session. The 22nd floor observatory reveals a spectacular view of the rolling hills of Leon County all the way to the shimmering Gulf of Mexico.
850-893-1647
Nestled along a canopy road, the original 1927 tin store sells more than 65,000 pounds of link sausage per year with famous Grandma Mary's time-proven seasoning.
850-488-4661
The portico is patterned after Andrew Jackson's columned home, the Hermitage. The lovely Georgian-style Southern mansion, built in 1956, furnished with 18th and 19th century collectibles, stands amidst giant magnolias only one mile from the Capitol.
Facing the Old Capitol, 40-foot twin granite towers memorialize Florida's Vietnam casualties with a massive American flag suspended in their honor -- dedicated in 1985.
488-3901
Eccentric rhymes written by the matron of the 1840 park-front mansion are attached to chairs, tables, lamps, and other household furnishings in this museum reflecting the social, economic and political history of Tallahassee.
224-3252
Winding in a serpentine path along a downtown block and anchored on either end by historic brick buildings -- Gallie's Hall and the Masonic Lodge -- it offers clusters of interesting eateries and intriguing shops.
644-5034
For 138 years, students have passed through the wrought iron gates to the Gothic twin towers of the Westcott building. Since achieving coed status in 1947, the school of 29,000 mighty "Seminoles" -- named after Indian ancestors -- has evolved into a research institution with a magnetic field laboratory, supercomputer and a nuclear accelerator.
599-3414
Founded in 1887 as a primarily black institution and today with more than 10,000 students, FAMU is nationally acclaimed for its business, pharmacy, and engineering schools. Also home of the famous Marching 100 band -- the only American band invited to perform in France's prestigious Bicentennial Bastille celebration in 1989.
Natural Attractions
922-3632Crystal clear waters bubble from one of the world's deepest freshwater springs as visitors head up river on jungle and glass-bottomed boat cruises while nearby alligators laze on shores and anhinga "snake birds" dry their wings overhead on twisted cypress branches.
487-4556
New York financier of the 1930s created an enchanting masterpiece of floral architecture surrounding his home -- Killearn Gardens -- along the banks of beautiful Lake Hall.
In the heart of town, it is the spot from which all Florida land surveys are calculated.
488-7326
Glimpse into the "original Florida" along the hiking trail which will eventually span 1,300 miles through the state. Only U.S. trail -- of eight -- hikeable during the winter.
670-8644
One of Tallahassee's greatest natural resources, a 630,000-acre wilderness of towering pines for hiking, camping -- and even bear hunting -- located south of town off U.S. 319.
925-6121
Graceful lighthouse and registered historic site overlooking the St. Marks River, it is a nature preserve and winter nesting ground for great northern flocks of Canadian Geese.
Historical Sights
487-2299Site of the 16th century encampment of Spanish expedition leader Hernando de Soto and location of the first Christmas celebrated in North America -- 1539. Discovery of copper coins is oldest ever unearthed in the United States.
488-3901
With six magnificent, imported Corinthian columns, it is a striking vision of Classical Revival and Italian architechture built in 1856. Home to the Historic Preservation Board it is available for special meetings.
224-8116
Built in 1830 with a "nickel in every brick," this gracious, white-columned mansion is Tallahassee's oldest surviving home, and now houses the Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce.
487-3711
A 17th Century Spanish mission and Indian settlement created 200 years before Florida became a state. Archaeological research is continuing daily.
487-3803
Just down the hill from the Capitol, the 1841 blue stone building is Florida's oldest surviving bank, once a "planter's bank" then a "freedman's bank."
224-5012
Still located on its original Park Avenue site, and handsomely furnished, it served as Tallahassee's first and only community library from 1884-1955.
224-4504
Built in 1838, the oldest church in Tallahassee welcomed slaves as independent members, with or without their master's consent.
925-6216
To escape hostile Indians in 1528, Spanish explorer Narvaez was the first "white man" to build a boat in the U.S. The fort was built in 1679 to protect Spanish missionaries.
562-0042
Sacred burial grounds of descendants of Florida's Lake Jackson Indians, forefathers to the Seminole and Creek tribes, where arrowheads and pieces of Indian relics are still being unearthed. Guided tours and interpretive programs available.
925-6216
Site of area's only Civil War battle -- March 6, 1865 -- Confederates forced a retreat of Union soldiers to the St. Mark's Lighthouse where they had landed only hours earlier.
545-5842
Twin cemeteries with the graves of two Florida governors, original plantation owners, ordained ministers, slaves and Civil War heroes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old City Cemetery offers a self guided walking tour.
Fact Sheet
599-3020One of the country's most extensive collections of African/American artifacts, such as a 500-piece Ethiopian cross collection, books pre-dating 1700 and memorabilia of notable black American heroes. Also a research center of black influence inhistory and culture, children enjoy a hands-on "Underground Railroad" exhibit.
224-2714
Known for its delightful garden and gazebo, a center for art exhibitions ranging from water colors to oil and avant-garde to traditional. Housed in the Meginnis-Munroe House (1852-53).
644-6836
599-3334
Both university galleries rotate exhibits of international , national, regional and local artists in a broad scope of styles.
Additional visitor information about area attractions is available from the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 628-2866 or (850) 413-9200 or visit www.seeTallahassee.com.