Manager's Message
People from all over the world have been enjoying the Gardens in full bloom. The dogwoods and azaleas have been spectacular this spring and as they begin to wane they will be succeeded by later spring blossoms such as mountain laurel and native azaleas. This is the perfect time to visit the Gardens and Maclay House Museum, which is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., through April.
Warm weather has also brought renewed activity at the picnic and recreation area, with many family picnics enjoyed overlooking the serene waters of Lake Hall. Lake Hall is also great for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and many people are enjoying those activities.
The Lake Overstreet trails offer wonderful views of a ravine that rivals those seen in North Georgia and the unspoiled scenery of Lake Overstreet offers glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking and horse riding on over 5 miles of shared-use trails and 3 miles of biking trails.
The Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. is planning the 14th Annual Tour of Gardens. Mark your calendar now for May 2nd, when we will welcome speaker Norman Winter of Mississippi, a renowned author and host of radio and TV gardening shows, and for May 3rd when we will tour some of the areas finest private gardens.
Volunteers are helping the park in many ways, from serving as Maclay House and Visitor Center docents, to planting flowers and propagating plants, to performing many aspects of park maintenance. For information about volunteering, please call the park office at (850)487-4115.
- 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
