If you want an up-close look at Tallahassee’s long history, plan to visit one of these locations for an up-close and personal historical experience.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, built in 1845, offers an educational look at Florida history via three floors of interesting and diverse exhibits. While visiting, you’ll have access to
photographs, videos, audio information, an array of objects, and visual displays. Allow time to visit the exterior grounds to see the impressive monuments and plagues, courtyard, landscaping, and a walk to the top of the cupola to enjoy views from the observation deck.
To begin your tour, stop by the reception desk for instructions. Prior to arriving at the museum, you’ll have access to a downloadable audio tour describing each exhibit. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday and select holidays from noon until 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.
Museum of Florida History
Visiting the Museum of Florida History takes visitors way back in time with visual permanent exhibits that include Forever Changed: La Florida 1513-1821, Florida in the Civil War, World War II, and naval ships named Florida. While visiting the museum, you can make a day of it with dining at the on-site cafe and buying a trinket, souvenir, or gift at the history shop. You can also shop online.
The museum is located at the R. A. Gray Building with hours of operation of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday and some holidays from noon until 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Tallahassee Automobile Museum
If you have an interest in cars and Americana, a visit to the Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a “must-see to believe” destination. With more than 160 vehicles on display, including a Duryea manufactured in 1894 to original Batmobiles, the museum is a visual smorgasbord of automotive history.
The museum also features an impressive collection of Americana and antiquities such as a collection of Steinway pianos, vintage typewriters, brass cash registers, pocket watches, sports memorabilia, and much more.
The museum opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday and closes at 5 p.m. each day.
Challenger Learning Center
Whether you want to soar to the stars, travel the universe, or learn through informative documentaries and Hollywood films, make a date with the Challenger Learning Center (CLC). Touted as downtown Tallahassee’s destination for “edu-tainment” for all ages, there’s something for everyone to learn, experience, and enjoy.
At the center, you’ll have access to the IMAX 3-D Theatre with its library of films and documentaries, the Downtown Digital Dome and Planetarium, and the Space Mission Simulator. Along with the availability of these activities, the CLC also offers more one-on-one experiences that include a lecture series, hands-on labs, demonstrations, learning labs, and camps.
Check the online calendar for upcoming events as well as showtimes at the theaters. The CLC is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
Take your own journey through Tallahassee history to experience the interesting and diverse road the city has traveled.