Tallahassee Museum

Welcome to the Tallahassee Museum – Where North Florida's history, nature, and wildlife intersect. From amazing native animals and rare historic buildings to beautiful natural scenery to exciting public programs, special events, and educational programs, there's something here for everyone.

History
From its first temporary location to the nationally recognized, accredited, 52-acre institution it is today, the Museum's educational commitment to the region and active learning has strengthened and broadened. Now providing programs for children, schools, families and adults, it serves a population of over 435,000 people in a 13-county region, promoting knowledge and understanding of the region’s cultural history and natural environment, and inspiring people to enrich their lives and build a better community.

In the late 1950s a group of visionary educators and interested citizens saw a need for children to enjoy hands-on experiences while learning about wildlife, nature, history, culture and other countries and customs. To meet this need, they established the Tallahassee Junior Museum, which received its charter on July 24, 1957, and held its first annual meeting on October 29, 1957. Early supporting organizations included the Service League (Junior League of Tallahassee), the Leon County School Board, the Association for Childhood Education, and the National Foundation for Junior Museums (Natural Science for Youth Foundation)

The Museum opened downtown in the old McMillan house in 1958, hosting a busy schedule of exhibits, programs, classes and field trips. School classes benefited from loans through its Treasure Chest program and a Pet Lending Library.

In 1960, the board voted to purchase 10 acres of land on Lake Bradford. The site promised exciting opportunities to explore nature, conservation and science.

On March 25, 1962, Museum founders and community supporters gathered to dedicate the four new buildings, which included three for exhibits: the Phipps Gallery, the Founders Building, and the Fleischmann Natural Science Building. The fourth, a classroom building named for Katherine Nunez, became the Museum’s Preschool, a nationally accredited program established in 1968.

In 1972, after the purchase of additional acreage, the small animal collection began expanding to the current Wildlife Florida exhibit displaying native animals in, large natural habitats.

Current New Attraction: Tree to Tree
Zip through tree-tops, soar over cypress swamps, and conquer aerial games and obstacles on the brand new Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures courses at the Tallahassee Museum. Beautifully integrated within the Museum’s 52 acres of native plants and wildlife, Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures transports adventurers through swamps, forests, wildlife habitats, and more! You’ll see nature from a bird’s eye view while gliding at heights of up to fifty feet from the ground! Who knows, you may even meet a dinosaur or two! Over 30 obstacles will have you swinging from ropes, crossing log bridges, and surfing through the sky.

Tallahassee Tree to Tree Adventures offers 3 different courses to choose from: TREEmendous Adventure, Canopy Crossing, and Soaring Cypress (our biggest, fastest, most amazing course!). All courses are based on height eligibility rather than age, and can be completed without any previous experience.

So grab a harness, clip your carabineers, and discover Tallahassee on a whole new level- you’re in for the zip adventure of a lifetime!

For more information, please click here: TREE TOP ADVENTURES Information

Upcoming Events

• Bengal Tiger Exhibit now at Tallahassee Museum. Come see this beautiful, endangered animal!




• Join us for tree to tree adventures! With 3 courses, there is something for everyone! Bring your friends and family!