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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

 About Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Pink and white camellia in full bloom.

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Elizabeth Weidner

The 18th Annual Tour of Gardens is scheduled for Saturday May 19th.  Featuring six fine private gardens in the Tallahassee area, this event is a wonderful way to learn solutions to common gardening challenges, and to see how other homeowners have designed their gardens to suit their lives.  When designed well, the garden becomes an extension of our indoor living spaces, inviting us to enjoy being out of doors in a setting that is pleasing to the senses.  Tickets are available at the Ranger Station or at local nurseries.  Call 850-487-4556 for more information.  The event is sponsored by the Friends of Maclay Gardens as a fund-raiser for the park, and members get a discounted ticket price.  Please consider becoming a member of the Friends, as you purchase your ticket.  If you forgot to give a Mother's Day gift, this would be a great make-up!

Summer heat brings thoughts of cooling dips into the nearest body of water, and the Lake Hall swimming area is a perfect place to cool off and enjoy summer.  Bring family and friends for a picnic at the Recreation Area, where youngsters will also enjoy the playground.  Two nature trails offer short hikes nearby, with scenic views of Lake Hall.  Plan to arrive early, as the park fills quickly on weekends!

For a longer hike, try the Lake Overstreet trails.  With over 5 miles of shared use trails, and another 8 miles of biking trails, fitness enthusiasts as well as bird-watchers, will enjoy an outing on the trails.  Bring drinking water and plan to come with a buddy.

The Gardens offer a respite from the busy-ness of every day life and during the summer months the cool green look predominates.  Spots of color here and there are kept beautiful with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, who learn horticulture as they help out.  For information on how to join the team, call 850-487-4115.

We hope you'll visit soon for some summer fun in the park!

DESIGNATIONS

The Great Florida Birding Trail Logo

GETTING HERE

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is located .5 miles north on I-10 on U.S. 319/Thomasville Road. Turn west on Maclay Road. The park is a short distance on the right.

GET INVOLVED

  • Volunteer -

    Volunteering at Maclay Gardens enables you to learn new skills while teaching others. From working in the garden or leading garden tours to Maclay House or visitor center docents, volunteers are an essential key to the park's success. To learn more about volunteering at Maclay, contact Ginger Nichols (850) 487-4115.

  • For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
  • Friends of Maclay Gardens, Inc.
  • 3540 Thomasville Road
    Tallahassee, FL 32309

CONCESSIONAIRES

PET POLICY

  • Florida State Parks Pet Policy
  • Pets must be on a six-foot, hand-held leash and are only permitted in the Lake Hall recreation area or on the Lake Overstreet trails.