Our Spring Stroll through Maclay Gardens
Whether you are passing by or stopping in Tallahassee, Florida, make it a point to visit Maclay Gardens. It’s less than 2-miles off the interstate and easy to find. The Gardens are part of the 1,184-acre Alfred B. Maclay State Park and a perfect place to stretch your legs on a trip.
I took a spring stroll through the Gardens with my now-and-again-travel-buddies (daughter and granddaughter). The whole visit was as relaxing as it was impressive.
Sign at the garden entrance gate. Alfred Maclay named his winter home "Killearn" after the birthplace of his Scottish ancestors.
Location:
3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32309
Contact:
(850) 487-4556
Park Hours: 8 AM - Sunset, Daily
Garden Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, daily
Park Fee:
$6 per vehicle
Garden Fees: (Jan - Apr)
$6 Adults
$3 Children 2-12
Website:
FloridaStateParks.org
My ever-willing travel buddies enjoying the beauty alongside the brick paved walkway.
The Wide Brick Path
Just past a small welcome center near the parking lot, an ivy-covered, brick columned entrance gate opens to a wide brick-paved path. The path was the original drive to the Maclays’ winter home.
This is a terrific place for a very, very slow stroll…..so we took our time, taking in the idyllic setting along the way.
In 1968 the state laid a brick pathway over the clay driveway base.
I took a short video while doing a 360° circle so you could see a little more of scene. We were near the lakeside pavilion.
The scent and beauty of azaleas in bloom was amazing! January – April is bloom time for azaleas and camellias. Peak bloom time is generally mid-March.
The brick path ends near the Maclay winter home.
Alfred and Louise Maclay's Winter Home
Alfred and Louise Maclay of New York visited Tallahassee in 1923. So impressed with the area, Alfred purchased a 307-acre former “hunting” plantation. The home, built in 1909, became the Maclays’ winter residence.
Rooms in the home have furnishings from the time period when the Maclays lived there.
Furnishings inside give you an idea of how the Maclays lived. Two rooms have display cases with information about Alfred, Louise, and their children.
The home is open for tours during the January-April high blooming season. Since we were there in March, we were able to take a peek inside.
The brick path circles in front of the home.
A spacious lawn in front of the house opens to the lake.
Alfred's Garden a Lifelong Dream
One of Alfred Maclay's many passions was gardening. When he began planning the Killearn Garden, he dreamed of a place of beauty year-round.
Even though he was self-taught, Alfred became a master landscape designer. Huge oaks and tall pines in the area were the backbone of his design. Exotic plants were added showing both could work together to create a place of striking beauty.
Alfred worked on the garden until his death in 1944. In 1946, Louise opened the gardens to the public for the first time. The family gifted the property to the State of Florida in 1953.
Ivy covers the arched brick opening into the circular walled garden
View from inside the walled garden looking back toward the arched entrance. The house is down the path, beyond the trees in the background.
Walled Garden a Visitor Favorite
One small part of the 28-acre ornamental garden is the Walled Garden. It offers visitors a place to rest in the shade while taking in nature’s sights and sounds. Flower bed plantings change each season so if you visit later in the year, there will still be plenty of color.
Fallen azalea blossoms add a dash of color beside the exposed brick garden wall.
Circular plaque reads "Dedicated to the Memory of Alfred Barmore Maclay of New York who Designed, Developed and Loved Killearn Gardens. Given to the State of Florida 1953."
A brick walkway from the walled garden leads to the "Reflection Pool" flanked by palms and shrubs. The lake is off in the distance.
Maclay Gardens State Park
This Tallahassee hidden gem sits within a large state park named after Alfred Maclay.
Visitors can spend a full day in the park enjoying many other amenities offered including:
- Biking, horseback riding
- Hiking, walking, running
- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking
- Picnicking, playground
- Wildlife viewing
So, do we have you convinced yet? Drop by. It’s worth the detour.
A walk through the garden reveals surprises as each new scene opens to view.
Leaf covered paths wind through the garden.
One of the display cases inside the Maclay home gives a little family history.
About the Maclays
Born in 1871 to a wealthy New York family, Alfred Barmore Maclay worked part of his life in the family ice business. He later expanded his interests into banking and real estate.
He married Louise Fleischmann (from the well-known Fleischmann Yeast Company) in 1919. Their main residence was in Millbrook, New York.
Besides a great love of horticulture, Alfred's other avid interests included show dogs, show horses, rare books, antique furniture, and early American glass.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
