The Gardens
The gardens are the crowning masterpiece of the park. Maclay wanted to combine natural species of plants along with exotic species. Camellias were the first flowers he planted at his gardens. There are currently 150 camellia cultivars at the park.
Maclay was also very fond of azaleas. With over 60 species to explore, you’ll find a sea of azaleas in several areas of the park. Peak blooming season is from January to April. The gardens also have a reflection pool, walled garden, and several walkways throughout the area.
Tours
Guided tours during peak blooming season are an excellent way to see the entire park. You’ll also get lots of information on the gardens and how they came to be. You can also do self-guided walking tours with maps available at the ranger station.
Lake Hall
Lake Hall is a freshwater lake with a sandy beach and swimming area. It also has some of the best fishing around. There are several different species found in the lake. Some of the common catches include bluegill, bream, and largemouth bass.
You can also take in the views with a kayak or paddleboat at Lake Hall. If you don’t have your own, they are available for rent as you enter the park. Small sailboats without motors are also allowed.
Lake Overstreet
Another freshwater lake at the park is Lake Overstreet. This lake is in a more natural, undeveloped state, so there is no swimming or fishing allowed. The advantage to that is all of the wildlife that resides there.
Some of the most common sightings include otters, turtles, alligators, and waterfowl. Nesting bald eagles have also been spotted in the trees surrounding the lake.
Nature Trails
There are lots of nature trails at the park that offer a host of recreational activities. There are over five miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The exquisite views along the way make nature trails an enjoyable place to play.
Maclay House
The original Maclay house was built in 1909 and is open for tours. It’s been decorated to mimic what the house looked like when the Maclays resided there.
Geo-Seeking
This is a newer kid’s activity at the park. It’s an outdoor treasure hunt using hand-held GPS devices. The object is to find geocaches, or small treasures, around the park using location coordinates. The kids love it!
These scenic gardens have to be seen to be believed. The architecture and natural beauty combine to make this a visit you won’t soon forget. While you’re in the area, stop by Tallahassee Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat and take a test drive. With our large inventory and unbeatable deals, it’s easy to find the vehicle you’ve always wanted.
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