United States
Florida (FL)
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Stranahan House

Stranahan House, Fort Lauderdale: Hours, Address, Stranahan House Reviews: 4.5/5

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Stranahan House

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Stranahan House
4.5
633
#1 of 120 things to do in Fort Lauderdale
History Museums
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1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the City's oldest surviving structure. The story of the Stranahan House is the story of a family, a house, and a city. The Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale's founding father, and his wife Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the area's first school teacher. The house has served as a trading post, post office, community center, town hall and home to the Stranahans. The Stranahan House has stood at the center of Fort Lauderdales growth since it was built and played a significant role in the economic and social life of this community. Open daily for guided House tours at 1, 2, and 3pm. Special events, weddings, and holiday programs.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Best nearby
Restaurants
746 within 3 miles
Golden Lyon Vintage Pub
244
425 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Wild Sea Las Olas
1,103
399 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Grill
Boathouse at the Riverside
487
345 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Grill
Kilwin's Ice Cream of Las Olas
641
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American
Canyon Southwest Cafe
1,057
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Southwestern • Contemporary
Caffe Europa
712
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
El Camino Fort Lauderdale
341
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin
The Royal Pig Pub
486
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Timpano Italian Chophouse
532
0.1 mi$$$$ • Italian • American • Steakhouse
Lobster Bar Sea Grille
633
429 ft$$$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
152 within 6 miles
Winterfest Boat Parade
91 ftCultural Events
National Geographic Fine Art Galleries
6
464 ftArt Galleries
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
701
0.2 miScenic Walking Areas
Las Olas Boulevard
6,643
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
New River
317
0.4 miBodies of Water
Seldom Seen Gallery
4
0.2 miArt Galleries
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
385
0.3 miArt Museums
History Fort Lauderdale
227
0.5 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
New River Gallery
5
0.2 miArt Galleries
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
522
0.7 miTheaters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
633 reviews
Excellent
450
Very good
131
Average
39
Poor
10
Terrible
3
Kelly W
Phoenix, AZ97 contributions
Tour gives exceptional new perspective of Ft Lauderdale
Mar 2021
John Del Cerra is our favorite part of this interesting, beautiful history-filled home! He really makes it come to life and makes you feel that you are reliving the past. His insights and anecdotes hold your attention and draw you in. We learned so much about the Ft Lauderdale area and how it developed, it's environment, tragedies, people and how this house survived it all. We highly recommend a tour of the Historic Stranahan House with John Del Cerra, it is well worth the time!!!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Julieth G
1 contribution
Amazing! John (groundskeeper) is a living part of history, telling Stranahan's story as he experienced it.
Oct 2021
As a native Broward county resident & Fort Lauderdale local, I found it to be a treasure, hidden in plain sight.

John, the longterm Groundskeeper of the property (30+years) gave us the tour and he was a wealth of knowledge. The story of the Stranahan's not only represents the city of Ft.Lauderdale but in my opinion, the story of the American dream. A young Frank Stranahan leaving the then "booming metropolis" of Illinois to venture to the swamps of south Florida in search of creating a life where no modern civilization existed. John told us many of the personal stories he has with the history of this small building and how it has changed so much similar to the landscape surrounding it.

I plan on visiting the property during lunch to say Hi to John and maybe get a few more stories from Ft.Lauderdale's past.

The Price is extremely fair and I believe we got much more than we paid for.

I prefer this Museum compared to the bonnet house as it was more intimate and you are able to spend more time indulging in the details of this 120 year old site.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
grtflyin
Charlotte44 contributions
A must visit when in town
Sep 2021
Excellent one hour guided tour through this historic house. As a full time resident now of Ft Lauderdale it was so interesting and insightful to learn of the origins of the City and its first house. Well worth the time and the boardwalk along the New River with multiple places to eat and watch the water world sail by makes for a great day.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anna C
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 contributions
Wonderful history tour- will be back.
Oct 2021
This gem is nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, steps from Las Olas. It's easy to get to, and a great stop for tourists and locals both! I went there expecting to have a nice tour and learn some history. I was really blown away to hear all of the stories and layers of history of this property and the Stranahan family legacy.

I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, and you won't regret learning about how Fort Lauderdale got its start!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
italiancan
Crofton, MD253 contributions
A historical oasis surrounded by concrete
Mar 2022
Went on a terrific informative tour of this historic gem sandwiched in between some massive building and construction. Tome was our tour guide and he was just great. Activities here have been curtailed due to construction that will last the rest of the year. It is indeed a tragedy that the city of Fort Lauderdale has not protected this valuable property, it is being strangled by the huge buildings that were allowed to build on top of it.
The tour tells you the history of this old Indian trading post and if you sit on the porch you can imagine what it must have been like at the start of the 20th century. Go on this tour, support this irreplaceable home.

On a side note, we happened to meet John Della C, a wonderful caretaker at the house. His stories were delightful to hear and he is a treasured safe keeper of this home.
Written March 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KLL
Sunrise, FL2 contributions
Better than expected
Mar 2022
After living here 15 years I finally booked a tour of the Stranahan house while my sister was here for a visit. Both of us love old houses, furniture, etc. and this tour did not disappoint us in that regard. Our tour guide, Jonathan, was exceptional. He was so knowledgeable about the Stranahan's, Fort Lauderdale history, and the items in the house. Not only was he personable, you could tell he cared about and enjoyed what he was doing. After the tour we were free to walk around outside the house and garden areas. There are several benches where you can sit and relax. The garage at the Riverside Hotel offers two floors of public parking and was a very short walk to the Stranahan House as well as shops and restaurants on Las Olas and the Riverwalk. Would be a beautiful site to rent for an event.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Larry K
Boca Raton, FL9 contributions
A fascinating look into the founding of Ft. Lauderdale
Feb 2022 • Friends
Nestled in between high rises and the New River on Las Olas Boulevard is The Stranahan House, one of the earliest buildings in Ft. Lauderdale. The tour was fascinating and the docents we're knowledgeable, passionate and engaging. Visiting the Stranahan House was a worthwhile respite from eating, shopping and cruising.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Miles Archer
Boca Raton, FL7,255 contributions
HISTORIC HOUSE OF A BYGONE ERA
Mar 2022 • Couples
My wife and I finally got around to taking a guided tour of the oldest still-standing structure in the city. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about this house and its changing functions over the past century-plus of its existence. A hidden gem dwarfed by modern high-rise buildings.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jen W
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 contribution
John Della-Cerra is the Star of Stranahan House
Feb 2021 • Couples
The house and grounds have amazing history and John Della-Cerra is a huge, dedicated part of the Stranahan house current history. He cares for this beautiful home/museum as if it were his home, and is so full of life describing the history of the Stranahan's. He actually knew Ivy Stranahan and has so many stories, it was absolutely fascinating. The house is kept in immaculate condition with John's love and hard work. Absolutely beautiful old home, right on the river in downtown Las Olas. Amazing day, thank you John❣️
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ann S
Prague, Czech Republic3 contributions
Old Home Week for me - a great place
Mar 2021 • Couples
A wonderful home, history and tour! Learning more about the Stranahan family and their pioneering role in creating the city of Ft. Lauderdale was eye opening. As a child growing up in Ft. lauderdale, we often ate at the Pioneer House, which was when part of the Stranahan home was leased to a couple who ran a public restaurant. The restaurant closed in 1979 - we would have been there in the late 50’s/early 60’s. What a joy to rediscover this treasure of a home and the early days of Ft. Lauderdale. Ivy Stranahan’s work in human rights, women’s suffrage and creating the Seminole reservations is amazing. What a woman! What a visionary couple. Don’t miss this tour.
Written March 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stranahan House
Stranahan House is open:
  • Sun - Sat 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Stranahan House tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Stranahan House tours on Tripadvisor
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