Manager's Message
Fall is such a great time in the gardens! As the weather cools we have a burst of new energy and enjoy getting ready for the start of another blooming season. Camellias are starting to flower now and we will soon be planting pansies in the Walled Garden, along with other fall annuals throughout.
We have several great programs coming soon – be sure to check the Calendar of Events and plan to join us for some fun activities.
Our gift to the community every year is the traditional holiday event, Camellia Christmas, planned for December 5th. The Maclay House is all decked out in greenery, thanks to the Tallahassee Garden Club flower show judges; walkways are lit with luminaria; free apple cider and cookies are served; and this year Santa will make an appearance! The event is free to all and we gladly accept donations to help defray costs. Be sure to check out the silent auction for seasonal decorations and gifts to give to yourself or someone special.
As we ready the Gardens for the winter and spring blooming season, we are also preparing to open the Maclay House for the season, from January 1 through April 30. We need volunteers to help staff the Maclay House and the Visitor Center. If you would like to consider joining our team, call Ginger Nichols at 487-4115 for more information. It is a fun job, involving a commitment of only four hours per week, and affording an opportunity to meet people from all over the world as you help to share the park story. Volunteers also help in the Gardens and with other chores for park maintenance.
Fall is also a great time to enjoy the hiking, biking and horse-riding trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park, or to have a picnic with family and friends at the Lake Hall Recreation Area. Last year we welcomed 176,054 people to the park and we hope you will come to visit soon!
- Elizabeth Weidner, Park Manager
Welcome to Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
These beautiful ornamental 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 reflection pool, a walled garden, and hundreds of azaleas and camellias. Lake Hall provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Only boats without motors or with electric motors are allowed. Pavilions and grills along the lake shore provide the perfect setting for a picnic. For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can enjoy five miles of multi-use trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. High blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in mid-to-late March. During these months, the Maclay house is usually open daily, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The park is Located one-half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, please call 850-487-4556.
Hours of Operation
Park is open 8 AM to Sunset, and Gardens are open 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Driving Directions
Maclay State Gardens is located one half mile north of I-10 on U.S. 319.
Park Fees
Admission Fees - Garden Entry during Blooming Months: $4.00 per person for adults and $2.00 per person for children (ages 2 to 12), January through April during peak blooming season.
Park Entry: $4.00 per vehicle for up to 8 people (does not include Gardens entry, January through April)
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
Phone: 850-487-4556
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc.
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32309
