Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Mission San Luis de Apalachee
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Mission San Luis was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today, the Mission brings the 17th century to life through costumed interpreters, reconstructed buildings, museum exhibits and archaeological demonstrations. The Mission offers special events, camps and workshops throughout the year. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fees: Adults, $5; Seniors, $3; Children, $2; Active duty military are free.
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  • Elin C
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The staff were so wonderful!
    We arrived late in the day so we only saw the visitor’s centre, but Will was so helpful, and the exhibition space was really interesting! We spoke to David the historian too and learnt so much - will absolutely be coming back for a proper visit when we’re next in town and have more time. Thank you so much!
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 29, 2024
  • Josy K
    45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience
    An exceptional experience at the Mission. Great collection of artifacts from this era, terrific movie about life on the Mission, and terrific personal to explain the Mission. A must see for folks interest in early Florida.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 18, 2024
  • C Goldshot
    Miami Beach, Florida15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great outing for a great price!
    Great way to spend an afternoon. The price is super reasonable ($5 per person). The staff were very informative and they seemed like they enjoyed their job. They were happy to discuss the history of the area and encouraged questions.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 14, 2024
  • journalmytrips
    Georgia735 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A living history museum
    We were very impressed with this site and all it offered. Begin by entering the visitor center and view a video about the history of this mission. Then make a short detour to the small museum. When you walk outside you will see reconstructed buildings of what the mission looked like when it existed. Of particular interest was the huge Council House. Inside one of the costumed guides will give you information about the Council House and answer questions. Other sites to visit are the church and the Friary where costumed guides are also present. From there if you wish you may continue to view several other buildings. I would definitely return to this site if I was in the area. There is a small gift shop at the visitor center.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles428 reviews
Excellent
305
Very good
105
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
2

Rebecca F
Flagstaff, AZ6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
We had no idea that the Mission San Luis was this extensive! The exhibits in the information center were informative and interesting and the reconstructed buildings on the site were impressive. Plus, there were period garbed guides in each of the buildings to describe the building and everyday life of the people inhabiting the area from 1650 to 1700 and answer any questions. This is a must see in Tallahassee!
Written June 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nina S
Miami, FL16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
Beautiful reconstruction based on historical and archeological information of the
Spanish mission built in the 1600s . It was burnt down by the Spanish in 1704 as they retreated from the British. Re-enacters give are very knowledgeable about the history of the mission and the Apalachhee Indians. We really enjoyed watching the real working forge.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL5,527 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
My girlfriend and I visited Mission San Luis for the first time recently. The mission consists of a main museum building and a reconstruction of the Apalachee/Spanish village that was present on the site the late 1600s. The buildings were very impressive! Staff dressed in period garb were located at each building and were great to talk with. We learned so much about the time. The walk itself was about a mile. The video and museum inside were also great and a nice respite from the heat and humidity. I highly recommend Mission San Luis! This is one of the best history museums I’ve ever been to!
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Noel78
Tennessee673 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
With a two hour visit to this outdoor living history museum, you will learn a great deal about the Apalachee, the indigenous people of Tallahassee, and arrival of the Spanish missions in northern Florida. This museum was merely an archeological dig some 30 years go, and now with its recreated buildings, it is a national historic landmark. Certainly, the most impressive is the Council Hall reconstruction, a domed structure of large pine logs and native thatching. Costumed guides on the property reenact the lives of true historic characters, and it adds a lot to the experience. There was also a blacksmith working on the property who was explaining his craft. Inside the main building, there is an introductory movie and a fantastic gallery of art and artifacts. On a beautiful May day, this was a great experience and a wonderful way to learn about the past. Recommended.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cadwaladre
Michigan58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
We like historical sites so we expected to enjoy San Luis Mission, and we were not disappointed. There are no original buildings, as the Spanish and Apalachee Indians burned everything in 1704 before they evacuated to prevent the British from taking it over. The Council House, Church, Friary, Apalachee House, Spanish House, Fort, and Blacksmith Shop have been recreated as authentically as possible so you can get a sense of what it was like. Costumed volunteers answer questions and demonstrate their roles, which was very interesting. The Mission as it is now is only a small portion of the original extent, but coupled with the displays in the visitors center (with some original artifacts found on site) and introductory video, it's all very informative. We were there in Feb, and with the magnolias and azaleas blooming, it was lovely.
Written February 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WillbUsa
Tallahassee, FL28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
We're members and visit the mission regularly. Special events are lots of fun. Fascinating story of blending Spanish and native Apalachee culture and living together. Great reconstruction of key buildings and living history reinactors add depth and accessibility to the storytelling. Great outting for a half day
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mississippi Miss
Mississippi174 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Friends
Went here with a travel group and enjoyed it very much. It was all reconstructed and I thought they’d done an extraordinary job. I loved that they had people dressed in period costume.

The young priest was especially friendly and eager to discuss anything asked of him. Some of the others were okay. One of the young ladies I found not to be friendly at all when I’d asked her a question.

They had a gift shop that was more on the artistic side that was really nice.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jaxmilmom
Tampa, FL161 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
This was a nice find right by FSU campus. I enjoyed the museum and grounds. Many volunteers in period dress that were extremely knowledgeable about the Mission and just a lovely day and program. Takes approx 2-3 hours to tour. Military are free. Nice gift shop too.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Josh S
Hazel Dell, WA33 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Couples
So let’s start by saying it was a pleasant visit. However, this establishment leaves a lot to be desired. Nearly nothing to do with Indians was exhibited. Very little exhibited in regards to daily function of the British, Spanish, or Indian. The staff and facility were very well kept and friendly. Wouldn’t be a top pick of places to see at its current condition but wasn’t a total waste either
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

roving
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Great place to learn and understand Apalachee Native American history. The archaeology is well conceived and presented to lay people as well as more deeply available to trained or avid students of archaeology. The living history events are especially interesting. Place for everyone.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Mission San Luis de Apalachee - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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