Tallahassee Museum Guide: Tickets, Exhibits, Wildlife & Visitor Tips

The Tallahassee Museum is one of the top Tallahassee, Florida attractions with its rescued wildlife, significant historic village, ancient buildings, momentous museum and outdoor fun & programs. This museum also goes by Tallahassee Museum of Natural History and Natural Science. You will find many activities like tree adventures, trails, gardens and lake views- best for families and kids. Additionally, there are many must-see destinations near the Tallahassee Museum like picnic spots, stores, parks and a university that will make you familiar with the city’s past. In this blog, we will provide you with all the sights that you will see here, along with some additional tips.

Location: 3945 Museum Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310

Note: Book a Florida charter bus for stress-free transportation and a comfortable tour to museums in Tallahassee. 

Must-See Exhibits of Tallahassee Museum

At the Tallahassee Museum, you can experience the recycled mannequins, forested environments and kids’ enjoyment spots. Key highlights are the Discovery Center, Jim Gary dinosaurs, and, not to forget, animals & nature trails. 

Wildlife Florida

A large part of Tallahassee Museum is dedicated to the rescued animals who were either saved from captivity or just can’t survive in the wild on their own due to injury. They have 52 acres of natural area where you can view this special wildlife in their natural settings. You can see rare Florida panthers, red wolves, white-tailed deer, grey wolves and many more. These native/ indigenous species can be seen from the boardwalk swamp walkways. 

Big Bend Farm

The historic farmhouse of Big Bend Farm showcases features like no windows on walls facing north, large porches and a raised foundation. The Farm provides a glimpse of how families lived in the Florida Big Bend region in the 1800s. In the gardens, visit the farm animals like cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, etc. Also stroll through the vegetable garden for corn, cotton, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, etc. This house was built in the 1880s. 

Jim Gary’s Twentieth Century Dinosaurs

You will find large and vibrant dinosaur sculptures made by Jim Gary from the waste parts of automobiles. These exhibits were displayed in films, operas, shows, events and in botanical gardens. Additionally, it was also featured in many leading museums in the world, like the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, etc. Currently, the Tallahassee Museum features almost 23 exhibits of his dinosaur works. Gary’s exhibit toured across America, Australia and Asia for almost 20 years. 

Discovery Center

It is an interactive and fun section of the Tallahassee Museum, ideal for families and kids. It provides hands-on science & nature exhibits where you can learn more about the nature and culture of North Florida. Kids will love this interactive area about the natural history and fauna of the museum. It serves as an educational center in the Tallahassee Museum. You can also view the historic Big Bend Farm and have a close encounter with the animals around here. 

Nature Trails

The highlights of Tallahassee Museum can be seen through the nature trails. You will find various natural trails in the area itself. You will find a wood boardwalk through a cypress swamp to see birds of prey in their natural habitat. Here, go for a quiet stroll along the edges of Lake Hiawatha, where you can see lush flora & fauna like wildflowers, tortoise burrows, several bird species, turtles and even colorful lizards. Also explore the butterfly shelter nearby. 

Living Historic Buildings in Tallahassee Museum

Here you can walk around looking at the old buildings from the 19th- & 20th-century that show you how different life was back then in the Tallahassee region. It helps you understand the history of the region. 

Historic Church

The Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1851 and is remembered as the first black church in Florida. It was rebuilt in 1937 by a group of spiritual people and was later moved to the Tallahassee Museum. This church played a significant role in the history of gatherings, education, civil’s right movement, etc. The burial ground that you will find behind this church is separate from the original cemetery, which was once a part of Tallahassee’s old city. 

School House

Tallahassee Museum school house refers to the Concord Schoolhouse, which was constructed in 1897 for African American children. It is a tiny one-room school that used to be in Miccosukee, Florida. It was later included in the list of the five largest rural schools for children of former slaves. This schoolhouse is a major highlight to represent the museum’s old living history. Inside, you will see long windows for lighting, artifacts, desks and a chalkboard. 

Caboose Exhibit

The Seaboard Caboose at the Tallahassee Museum was constructed in 1924. A caboose is a specialized enclosed railroad car that is attached at the end of the goods or a cargo train where crew members lived. It was used to support the development of rural areas by moving cash crops from farm fields to market. There is a unique part of this caboose where you press a button and hear the conductor talk about crews, train sounds, etc.

Bellevue Plantation

Previously a cotton plantation, now serves as an educational exhibit in the Tallahassee Museum featuring the life of enslaved Africans. The Bellevue plantation has two reconstructed buildings. First is the restored 1850s mansion of the owners of the plantation field. Second is the cabin of enslaved workers. This community is dedicated to the 25 enslaved african descents who lived and worked here in the 1860s. They worked in the cotton fields and offered skilled labor. 

Outdoor Adventures in Tallahassee Museum

If you visit this museum, there are many outdoor activities that you can do here, like strolling around the forest or boating on the lake and more. Otherwise, visit the butterfly garden to see their habitat. Do not forget to try out the tree & zipline adventures here.  

Tree-to-Tree Adventures

The best part of Tallahassee Museum is its Tree Adventures. It allows every individual, irrespective of their age, to be a part of this fun. Nature is best seen from the top through zip lines and tight ropes. It offers 3 types of adventures: Soaring Cypress, Canopy Crossing and Treemendous Adventures. All these adventures are best for kids and beginners. Also, you need to check if there are restrictions on weight for any particular adventure. 

Boardwalks

In this museum, you will find elevated boardwalks to get around the mushy and wet area. These boardwalks will take you through the cypress trees along Lake Bradford, where you can see the Tallahassee Museum wildlife in their natural area. Like black bears, alligators and panthers, etc. The boardwalks are extremely family-friendly that offers more than just beautiful views. Along these pathways, you will also see dinosaur structures & Big Bend Farm.

Butterfly Garden

The McGowan Butterfly Garden is the most beautiful part of Tallahassee Museum. You will find this near the nature trails area. They provide support to the butterflies throughout their life cycle by giving them food, water and shelter. If you’re a nature lover, here you can learn about the complex relationship between Florida Fauna and butterfly growth. McGowan Garden features an undisturbed natural habitat for the butterflies to prosper without human intervention.

Lake Bradford Views

Tallahassee Museum is situated directly on the shores of Lake Bradford. The museum takes great advantage of these riverfront views, featuring Florida animals, cypress trees, elevated paths, etc. It is a great spot to enjoy wilderness, making it the perfect attraction spot in Tallahassee. It is also a very popular spot among visitors for boating opportunities like kayaking, canoeing, sailboating and paddling. Not to forget about the tree-top fun and nature trails. 

Is the Tallahassee Museum Good for Families?

Tallahassee Museum is a great destination for families and also offers some valuable hands-on knowledge for kids. You will find a lot of things to do here like nature walks, looking out for animals, zipline tours, etc. 

Best Kids-Friendly Activities

• Tree Top and zipline Adventures 
• Dinosaurs sculptures from Junkyards
• Historical buildings and church
• Nature exhibit at Discovery Center
• Farm areas in Big Bend Farm

Interactive Learning

Tallahassee Museum offers many interactive and outdoor-focused learning experiences. You can earn your badge through participating in hands-on activities in Scout Programs like overnight fun, daytime tours, etc. Go for guided tours of Florida native wildlife, farmstead, historic buildings and a special group night prowl. You can also register for summer camps with different themes like Animal Olympics, Zoo Crew 2 & Tropical Vacation. Also check out more on-site programs offered at the Tallahassee Museum. 

Animal Encounters

Tallahassee Museum has daily educational animal encounters. You can meet their education team at the Snake exhibit to get a glimpse of owls, opossums, alligators, snakes, etc. Also check out their new member, the Binturong, who smells like freshly buttered popcorn. For Otters, meet the animal keepers at the otter exhibit. Otter Encounter happens every Saturday at 12 noon. While the animal encounter happens at 11:30 am & 1:30 pm.

Picnic Areas

If you are visiting the Tallahassee Museum with kids, then move towards the main playground areas. You can find picnic tables (covered & uncovered) & picnic pavilions there. You can relax in the spacious picnic area under the shade of oak trees while kids tire themselves out in the play area. Here you are also permitted to bring your own lunch or grab something from the nearby trail cafe. This spot highlights a small open amphitheater for organising parties and events. Restrooms are also available here. 

Trail Break Café

The Trail Break Café is located near the Main Museum Playground. They have a variety of delicious food and the café is air-conditioned. They also offer seasonal specials and cater on- and off-grounds parties & events. You can fill yourselves in the café while enjoying the canopy of oak trees. The menu has a dedicated kids menu and offers beers, cocktails, vodka, sandwiches, pickle spears, etc. 

Museum Store

Your final stop in the Museum should be the Tallahassee Museum Store. It is located in the visitor services center. The Museum Store is filled with all types of souvenirs, handmade gifts and local items from the Big Bend Area. Like the cane syrup or the caboose train replica ornament, a Museum mug, postcards, etc. The store is always stocked for everyone to come and take a piece of the museum with them. 

Top Sights Near Tallahassee Museum

Beyond the Tallahassee Junior Museum, you must also explore the best nearby attractions to know more about the beauty of Tallahassee, Florida. Most popular are Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Cascades Park and Florida State University tours. 

Florida State University

FSU is ranked among the top public universities in Florida.  Tallahassee Florida State University offers guided campus tours and shares stories that make it such an extraordinary & memorable tour. You must check out the Westcott Building, Landis Green space and Doak Campbell Stadium. These are the landmarks of the university. You can be a part of their programs, which give research opportunities and hands-on learning. You need to register before visiting the Florida State University. 

Cascades Park

Tallahassee Cascades Park is one of those destinations that you should not miss. There are ample activities to do here with families and friends. From walking on trails, biking, picnicking, playgrounds, water fountains, etc. You can grab a bite at The Edison restaurant. Stay here till night to enjoy the live performances and music concerts in the huge amphitheater with your friends. Also, entry and parking are free in Cascades Park Tallahassee & pets are welcome.

NOTE: Another national park that you should not miss is the Everglades National Park, Florida, known for wildlife and photography. 

Mission San Luis

It is also known by names like Mission San Luis de Apalachee, San Luis de Talimai etc. It is the sole National Historic Landmark & a living museum of Tallahassee. Mission San Luis Tallahassee is a restored Spanish Franciscan mission that tells about life in the 17th century. You can go for self-guided tours or ranger-led tours to view the tribal council house, church, artifacts etc. It welcomes leashed pets and has picnic spots and monthly workshops to enjoy here. 

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

It is a beautiful ornamental destination featuring a botanical garden and the historic Maclay House. You can do a lot of activities in this 1176 acres park. You can go for a swim, fish, kayaking and canoeing in Lake Hall, or have a family picnic near its shore with pavilions & grills. There are also nature trails for hiking, cycling, etc, through the woods overlooking the lake & a playground for kids. Pets are also welcome in Maclay Gardens Tallahassee. 

Tallahassee Museum Tickets Prices

You will find both ticket prices for museum tours and tree adventures on their official page. Additionally, they also offer many discounts on special occasions like free admission days and memberships with year-round benefits. The best deals are the combo of adventures and museum tours, which saves a lot of money. 

Tallahassee Museum hours are from 9 – 5; Monday to Saturday. 11 – 5; Sunday, which may vary, so check the official page. The last ticket for Tree Adventures is sold at 4 PM. You can get these tickets in person or book them in advance online. Also, this museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s.

Discounts & Memberships

General Admission Ticket Prices:

Tree-To-Tree Adventure Tickets Price:

Combo Ticket Rates (Tree-to-Tree Adventure + Museum Tour):

Disclaimer: The museum hours may change due to sudden weather changes or renovation work. So check their official page for current updates before visiting. 

If you are planning to visit multiple times in 2-3 years, then you should look into the different discounts and memberships that the Tallahassee Museum has to offer. They can save you a lot of money and offer some benefits and perks that will make the purchase worth it. 

Membership

For the Tallahassee Museum, there are generally 2 membership levels, i.e General Membership & Upper Level Memberships. 

General Memberships:

• Student with a valid ID: $35
• Basic: $55
• Dual: $70
• Friends and Family: $95

With the Tallahassee Museum memberships, you will get exclusive annual museum benefits & perks. But if you want to be a part of Tallahassee Museum events, festivals and special benefits, Upper Level Memberships are for you. 

Discounts

• Military and Corporate: Tallahassee Museum occasionally gives discounts if the individual or group is partnered with an organization. 
• Free Admission Day: The Museum partners with sponsors like VyStar Credit Union to offer Free Admission days at the Tallahassee Museum, usually in August & September. 

Tallahassee Museum Tickets Online

The best choice is to purchase tickets online by visiting the Tallahassee Museum Page. Just follow the instructions on the official page and you will get your digital ticket on your screen.

Benefits

You can skip the long queue of window ticket purchases during peak times. Just scan the ticket on your smartphone and you are inside. Popular tree-to-tree adventures fill up very quickly, so better to reserve them online so you can enjoy them. You can also select from the combo deals with discounted prices when purchasing online. 

Annual Membership Benefits

Purchasing an annual membership in Tallahassee museums will pay off in just 3-4 visits. You will get free entry 361 days a year, meaning unlimited daytime museum admissions and discounted additional tickets. Along with that, you will get discounts at the museum store & shops and Trail Break Cafes. Moreover, you also save on adventures, education programs, parties, camps and get early access to popular events here like Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festivals and much more. Note that general memberships and upper-level memberships provide different prices and benefits.

Nearby Suggestions: Boca Raton Museum of Art, Florida, is another such historical destination that you must visit. 

Best Time to Visit the Tallahassee Museum

As Tallahassee is situated in the northern part of Florida, Spring and fall have to be the best times to visit the Tallahassee Museum. These are the months of March, April, May, October & November. In these months, the climate of North Florida turns pleasant due to low humidity; hence, exploring the Outdoor park and wildlife becomes highly enjoyable. You can also enjoy the cooler temperatures while taking Tree-To-Tree Adventures and Zipline courses. 

For an ideal day, arrive in the early hours right when the museum gate opens at 9 am or 11 am. We would recommend you visit on weekday mornings to beat the crowds and school holidays & trips, etc.

Nearby Suggestions: You must also explore the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Walt Disney World Florida as a first-time visitor. 

Visitor Tips for Tallahassee Museum

• The majority of the museum is outside & it does not have many covered spaces. So check the weather in Tallahassee before starting your trip in case of sudden rains and thunderstorms.
• You will spend maximum time outside exploring the area. So wear something that will keep you relaxed. If you’re planning on tree adventures, we suggest mid-thigh shorts.
• Wear sneakers or sports shoes instead of flip-flops, sandals & crocs, as you will have to tour this museum entirely on foot.
• Tallahassee Museum has a great deal of sights & activities. So give yourself a good half-day to properly explore the area with adventures, historical sights and wildlife viewing. 
• The Tallahassee Museum has several rules and regulations that you ned to follow. Check the Museum Manners online for details.  

Ending Note

Unlike the typical four-walled museum, Tallahassee Museum brings you out to connect with nature, wildlife and many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Tallahassee Museum has some of the best things to do in Tallahassee, Florida for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is ideal for both families and kids and offers various programs for deeper learning. We hope this blog guides you in making your visit comfortable, stress-free and memorable.