Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park
Location in Florida
Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Leon County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Area | 1,176 acres (4.76 km2) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
The Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens is a wonderful place to visit in Tallahassee, Florida. This Florida State Park covers about 1,176 acres (4.76 square kilometers). It's a special spot with amazing botanical gardens and a rich history.
This area is also known as the Killearn Plantation Archeological and Historic District. It became a U.S. historic district in 2002. This means it has important old buildings, structures, and items that tell us about the past. You can find it at 3540 Thomasville Road.
Contents
A Look Back: The Park's History
The land where Maclay Gardens now stands has a long history. Long ago, before the American Civil War, it was part of the Andalusia Plantation. Farmers grew cotton here. Later, in 1882, a vineyard on the property made wine. But in 1904, Leon County decided to stop selling alcohol, a time known as Prohibition. After that, it became a hunting estate called Lac-Cal, where people hunted quail.
In 1923, a man named Alfred Barmore Maclay and his wife, Louise Fleischman, bought the Lac-Cal estate. They bought more land, making their property about 3,760 acres (15.2 square kilometers). They named it Killearn, after Alfred's family village in Scotland. The Maclays loved gardening and spent many years creating the beautiful gardens we see today.
After Alfred Maclay passed away, his wife Louise continued to care for the gardens. She opened them to the public in 1946. In 1953, she generously donated about 307 acres (1.24 square kilometers) of their estate, including the gardens, to the state of Florida. In 1965, the gardens were renamed in Alfred Maclay's honor. This helped avoid confusion with a new neighborhood built nearby called Killearn Estates.
Amazing Plants and Trees
The gardens are famous for their stunning azaleas and camellias. These colorful flowers are a real highlight! You can also find many different kinds of trees here. Some of them include bald cypress, black gum, dogwood, hickory, holly, and oak trees. There are also beautiful Japanese maples and redbuds.
Other interesting plants in the gardens include gardenias, jasmine, and magnolias. You might also spot palmettos, sago palms, and wisteria.
Near the front of the gardens, there's a special Native Plant Arboretum. This area is cared for by the Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. It features plants that naturally grow in Florida, like Piedmont azaleas and Florida flame azaleas.
Lakes to Explore
The park is home to several lovely lakes:
- Lake Hall
- Lake Overstreet
- Lake Elizabeth (also called Gum Pond)
The Historic Maclay House
The Maclay House was built in 1909. Today, it looks just like it did when the Maclay family lived there. You can take a tour of the house during the peak blooming season, which is usually from January through April. It's a great way to imagine life in the past!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park offers many fun activities for visitors. You can enjoy:
- Bicycling on scenic trails.
- Birding to spot different kinds of birds.
- Boating, canoeing, and kayaking on the lakes.
- Fishing for a relaxing time.
- Hiking and walking on extensive trails.
- Horse trails for horseback riding adventures.
- Picnicking areas for outdoor meals.
- Swimming in designated areas.
The park also has a museum with exhibits that teach you more about its history and nature. It's a perfect place for a day of outdoor fun and learning!
See also
In Spanish: Jardines del Parque del Estado Alfred B. Maclay para niños
