Florida Women's Heritage Trail

This park was once part of a 3,760 acre hunting estate owned by Alfred B. Maclay (1871-1944), a New York financier. Maclay and his wife, Louise, designed the ornamental gardens for the property, including a Camellia Walk, Walled garden and Secret Garden.

After her husband's death in 1944, Louise Maclay (1885-1973) opened her 28 acre ornamental garden to the public and in 1953 donated 307 acres to the state. Today, close to 100 varieties of camellias and 50 varieties of azaleas bloom from December through April.

Information provided by the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Edited by Cynthia Catellier, University of West Florida Department of Public History