Park Summary for Print - Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

A walkway along Lake Hall lined with trees in bloom

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 Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. Does not include Gardens entry – January through April.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$6.00 Garden Entry – Adults during Blooming Months (January through April).

$3.00 Garden Entry – Children, 2-12, during Blooming Months (January through April).

Activities at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

	Bicycling The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. In addition, approximately three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people.
	Boat Ramp A boat ramp is available. Gasoline motors cannot be used from the park boat ramp.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Lake Hall is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and small sailboats. Only boats without motors or with electric motors are allowed. Visitors are reminded that most of the lake's shoreline is private. Please respect the property of others.
	Fishing Largemouth bass, bream and bluegill are caught in Lake Hall. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required. Fishing is not allowed in Lake Overstreet. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Garden Tours Self-guided garden tours are aided by a Gardens Walking Tour brochure, available at the Ranger Station. Guided group tours are available upon request, with a three weeks notice to allow for scheduling. During the peak blooming period, guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, depending upon availability of staffing and volunteers.
	Horseback Riding The Lake Overstreet portion of the park offers approximately five miles of multi-use trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. These trails afford views of Lake Overstreet and a ravine system that rivals those of North Georgia. In addition, approximately three miles of designated bike trails provide scenic biking on the Overstreet property. Lake Overstreet is for use by wildlife only, and for scenic viewing by people.
	Interpretive Exhibit Interpretive exhibits are available at Maclay House
	Nature Trails The Big Pine and Boy Scout nature trails meander through the wooded hillsides overlooking Lake Hall. Novice hikers could expect to walk the distance of either trail in less than one hour. Multi-use trails on the Lake Overstreet portion of the park provide over 5 miles of trails for hiking or jogging.
	Picnicking The picnic area overlooking Lake Hall is the most picturesque in north Florida with a large picnic pavilion available for rental.
	Playground There is a playground within the park, which has state of the art equipment and benches to sit on.
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas of Lake Hall Recreation Area.
	Wildlife Viewing Maclay Gardens is home to a variety of Florida wildlife including white tail deer, bobcat, and alligators. Various species of fish and reptiles inhabit Lake Hall and Lake Overstreet and birds of all shapes and sizes can be found throughout the entire year.

Special Events for Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TALLAHASSEE 5K & FUN RUN
Date: Saturday, Nov 21st from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the public to show support for the Junior League of Tallahassee. The Junior League of Tallahassee performs many service projects in the Tallahassee community that benefit children and families. Proceeds from the 5k and 1 mile Fun Run goes to support their numerous community projects. The 5k and Fun Run will start at the Recreation area at Lake Hall. Race day registration will be held near the pavilion in the same area.
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to participants.
Contact: (850) 487-4115

Participation Requirements
CAMELLIA CHRISTMAS 2009
Date: Friday, Dec 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park invites the community to celebrate the Christmas Season at the 21st Annual Camellia Christmas. A candle-lit stroll through the gardens accompanied by holiday music performed by local artists is the perfect way to share the holiday spirit with friends and loved ones. Bid on holiday finery for your home or for a gift at the silent auction, which will include items donated by local merchants, artists and florists. Hot apple cider and holiday cookies will be served.
Fees: Park Entrance Fee is waived for participants
Contact: (850) 487-4115
A TEA WITH MRS. CLAUS
Date: Sunday, Dec 6th from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park and The Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc. would like to invite children ages 5-9 years old to attend an afternoon tea with Mrs. Claus. Dress up clothes is encouraged for attendees and there will be some items on hand for early arrivals to try on in addition to what they find in Mom and Dad’s closet for the day’s event. The tea party charge is $20.00 per child and requires advance reservations as a personalized invitation will be mailed to children from Mrs. Claus. The tea time will include crafts, story time, tea and cookies of course, a photograph with Mrs. Claus and a gift for each child to take home. To make reservations please call (850) 487-4556. --In The Historic Maclay Gardener’s Cottage--
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to participants.
Contact: (850) 487-4115

Participation Requirements

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Ranger Programs

VOLUNTEERS IN THE GARDENS AND GREENHOUSE
Every Monday
Volunteers work throughout the gardens and in the greenhouse to maintain flower beds and keep the gardens in top condition. Volunteers learn gardening techniques. Meet at the park shop area (ask for directions at the Ranger Station). Please call 487-4115 and let us know you are coming. NO PETS.

Call (850) 487-4556 for more details.
PLANT CARE WORKSHOP
Call for Dates and Times
An informal monthly workshop presented by Maclay’s knowledgeable garden staff. Participants will learn a variety of topics, skills and techniques through hands on demonstrations and lectures. Enjoy a Saturday morning learning tips for use in your own garden. Call for time and dates.

Call for more details.
CAMELLIAS
Call for Dates and Times
This multimedia presentation on the premier plant of Maclay Gardens is fascinating look into the plant world.

Call for more details.
NATURE WALK
Sunday, November 8th, 2-4 p.m. Meet at the Overstreet Trailhead for a hike and learn different methods of identifying wildlife on your own property. All ages are welcome to attend. Program is free with paid park admission.

Participation Requirements

Call (850)487-4115 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Question: What is the best time to visit the Gardens to see colors?
Answer: The gardens bloom between January and April of each year. The peak bloom usually occurs around mid to late March. Since different varieties of flowers bloom at varying times, we hope you will visit the Gardens often throughout the blooming season. You will always be treated to something new.

Question: May I bring my horse to ride the trails on the Lake Overstreet property?
Answer: Yes. The Lake Trail and the Ravine Trail are both designated as multi-use (equestrian, hiking, bicycle) trails. REMEMBER, you must carry proof of current Coggins test for all horses.

Question: May I bring my dog in the park?
Answer: Pets are allowed in the Lake Hall Recreation Area or on the Lake Overstreet Trails ONLY IF they are on a six-foot, hand-held leash, under control of the owner at all times. Pets are not permitted in the Gardens at any time or on the beach at the Lake Hall Recreation Area's swimming area.

Question: When is the Maclay House open?
Answer: The historic Maclay House is open for informal tours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during blooming season (January 1 through April 30).

Question: Is there a place to swim?
Answer: Yes. The Lake Hall Picnic & Recreation Area features a designated swimming area.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park History

History of "Killearn Gardens" Known today as Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Alfred Barmore Maclay was born in New York in 1871. He was the son of Robert and Georgiana Barmore Maclay. Robert Maclay became the President of the Knickerbocker Trust Company, New York City. Georgiana’s family founded the Knickerbocker Ice Company, one of the first to deliver cut ice on a commercial basis. The Maclay family owned many holdings in New York City. Alfred Maclay entered the family banking business, serving for a time as Secretary-Treasurer of the Knickerbocker Trust, but had many other interests as well. He raised champion horses, particularly hackney horses, prized for their high-stepping gait; and dogs, particularly greyhounds and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. He served as President of the National Horse Show Association and founded the American Horse Show Association, serving as President for ten years. He had famous collections of early American furniture, pottery and glass. He first became interested in landscape gardening at his summer home in upstate New York. Maclay made his first purchase of land in Tallahassee in 1923 as a nucleus for Killearn Gardens. The following season the original "Aunt Jetty" camellia was planted at its present location and from that time the Gardens were gradually developed. The name "Killearn" came from a village in Scotland where Mr. Maclay’s great-grandfather, the Reverend Archibald Maclay was born. The Gardens were Mr. Maclay’s hobby. He devoted many hours planning them and studying plants and their care. At the time of his death in 1944, Killearn Gardens had become widely known as one of the outstanding beautiful locations in this United States. Development reached a new peak under the guidance of Mrs. Maclay who opened them to the public in 1946 and 1948.

Mrs. Alfred B. Maclay and children, Mrs. Georgiana Maclay Bowers and the late Captain Alfred B. Maclay, Jr. gave Killearn Gardens to the State of Florida as a memorial to Alfred Barmore Maclay. The gift of 307 acres, which included the Gardens, was made in April 1953. The Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials accepted the responsibility of maintaining and operating Killearn Gardens for the enjoyment of the people of Florida and their guests.

The Lake Overstreet property was added to the park in 1994, bringing the total acreage to 1176 acres. Today, the Florida Park Service is proud to maintain the Gardens and offers the visiting public opportunities to enjoy this park’s other recreational amenities and facilities including swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking.

The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Volunteer Information

We at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park value the help we receive from our volunteers. Without volunteer assistance, we could not operate the park at the high standard our visitors have come to expect. Here at Maclay Gardens, we have a very dedicated corps of volunteers who work in a variety of jobs. From Maclay House docents to Gardens workdays, our volunteers are essential to our daily operation. If you want to be a part of this vital work force please give us a call or email Ginger Nichols at ginger.nichols@dep.state.fl.us.

While you are providing a valuable service to your community you may also learn gardening techniques from the experienced staff at Maclay Gardens.Volunteers usually work one or two 4 hour shifts throughout the week. To become a garden volunteer or for information on other volunteer opportunities including Garden Tour Guides, Visitor Center Docents or Maclay House Docents, contact Ginger Nichols at (850) 487-4115.

We'd like to invite you to join the Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc., our citizens support organization (CSO). Please see their link at the bottom of the park's home page for more information.