Manager's Message
Summer will soon turn to "dog days" and everyone will be busy with back to school activites. Taking time out to enjoy a swim in Lake Hall and a picnic on the shore may help to refresh the family. Weekday afternoons are perfect for a late cookout. Weekends fill up fast, so come early.
The Gardens is another great place to visit for welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of modern living. There is usually a cool breeze to be found at the Lakeside pavilion and the many hues of green foliage soothe the senses.
Park staff is busy preparing for September's Literacy Month events. Look for more information to be posted soon on the events link.
Volunteers are always wanted and we have many fun and challenging jobs to do, along with a fun group of volunteers to work with. For more information, contact Ginger Nichols at 850-487-4115 or e-mail her at ginger.nichols@dep.state.fl.us.
- 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
