Downtown Heritage Trail
Your journey into the fascinating history of Downtown Tallahassee begins here.
Click to view turn-by-turn directions.
Museum of Florida History
500 South Bronough St.
The State’s history museum focusing on artifacts and eras unique to Florida’s development and roles Floridians have played in national and global events.
Smokey Hollow Historic District
501-599 East Pensacola St.
Smokey Hollow was once a thriving African American community founded in 1893 that was lost in an urban renewal project in the 1960’s that displaced most of the families. Today, the historic neighborhood is commemorated with a village-like exhibit in Cascades Park showcasing three spirit houses, a barbershop, garden and fruit trees.
John G. Riley Center & Museum
419 East Jefferson St.
Journey back in time to the Reconstruction era – one of the most significant, yet least known periods of American history following the Civil War – at the John G. Riley Center & Museum and experience a living testament of the rich cultural heritage of African Americans in the south.
Knott House Museum
310 East Park Ave.
Built in 1843, this historical home served as temporary Union Headquarters and it is where Florida’s Emancipation Proclamation was read on the front steps on May 20, 1865.
First Presbyterian Church
110 North Adams St.
Built in 1838, this prominent Classic Revival style building is the only Tallahassee church remaining from territorial days. Used as a place of refuge for women and children during the Seminole Wars, the Church still has its original gallery set aside for enslaved people who were members of the church but sat apart from their masters.
Old City Cemetery
Martin Luther King Blvd. and Park Ave.
Old City Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the men and women who contributed to the development of Tallahassee and the state of Florida. Because it was Tallahassee’s only public burying ground, the cemetery represents a cross-section of Tallahassee’s people during the 19th century – enslaved people and planters, governors and store clerks, veterans of wars and victims of yellow fever are all buried here.
Cascades Park & The Edison
850 South Gadsden St.
This 24-acre downtown park includes the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park, Florida’s Prime Meridian marker, multi-use trails, an interactive water fountain, numerous historical markers and memorials, and The Edison restaurant. Built in 1921, The Edison was once the city’s electric and light plant.
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Florida Historic Capitol Museum
400 South Monroe St.
Since 1845, the Historic Capitol has symbolized Florida state government. Restored to its 1902 appearance, the Historic Capitol stands as an icon at the center of Florida’s Capitol complex. Under the stained-glass dome, political history and tradition come alive in the exhibits.
Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk
East Jefferson St.
Honoring more than 50 civil rights activists or “foot soldiers,” the Civil Rights Heritage Walk features 16 terrazzo panels recounting inspirational messages, notable protest signs, the 1960s lunch counter sit ins and 1956 bus boycott, which was considered the second major bus boycott in the United States.
Soul Voices: Frenchtown Heritage Trail
435 North Macomb St. (location of first of 13 markers)
Visit RileyMuseum.org for map and more information.
Hear the history of Frenchtown, one of Tallahassee’s oldest African American communities, through the voices of its residents. With each stop, discover and celebrate the families, businesses and innovators that shaped Frenchtown and the city.
The Grove Museum
902 North Monroe St.
From slavery to Civil Rights, The Grove Museum engages the public in dialogue about civil rights telling the story of critical moments that defined the American experience through its exhibits and programming.
Meginnis-Munroe House – LeMoyne Art Gallery
125 North Gadsden St.
Originally serving as a military hospital during the Civil War, the Meginnis-Munroe House and sculpture garden houses LeMoyne Art Gallery, a non-profit art gallery and education center showcasing outstanding local, regional and national artists year-round.
Bar 1903 – Walker Library
209 East Park Ave.
Located in the historic Walker Library that served as Tallahassee’s first library and contributed to the educational and cultural life of early 20th century, Bar 1903 honors the history of mixology with a cocktail menu spanning 160 years, an extensive spirits list and small bites.
Additional Sites of Significance:
- Leon High School
- Governor Martin House
- Union Bank Museum
- Gallie’s Hall
- The Exchange Building
- Chain of Parks
- Original Lincoln High School
Guided Tours
For visitors looking for a custom guided tour from a local expert, Tours in Tallahassee is an excellent choice. Take in all the sites from the comfort of an electric golf cart named Wilma, in a comfy SUVs, or for group tours, on Stella, the fancy trolley.
