Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Tallahassee, Florida, United States

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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee, Florida, began as a winter estate purchased in 1923 by Alfred Barmore Maclay, a wealthy New York financier, and his wife Louise Fleischmann Maclay.

They created one of Florida’s most beautiful ornamental gardens featuring camellias, azaleas, a secret garden, a reflection pool, and walled garden along picturesque brick pathways.

The property was formerly part of plantations and hunting estates with a long history including Native American habitation and early European settlement. After Alfred's death in 1944, Louise opened the gardens to the public in 1946 and later donated over 300 acres to the state in 1953, establishing it as a state park.

The gardens have been preserved as a historic district and are admired for their floral architecture, natural beauty, and regional heritage, offering scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and a peaceful environment for visitors.