Our visit to Mission San Luis in Tallahassee, FL was surprisingly amazing. Traveling on a budget can be difficult these days. However, we’ve been getting incredibly lucky during our time spent in Tallahassee. There are so many budget-friendly options for tourists. Mission San Luis was, yet another, $5 entry fee per person. And for the experience, you really couldn’t beat it!
Soon after stepping through the doors of the main building, and out through the back door, it’s evident just how much history is in this place.
“The archaeological collections at Mission San Luis represent one of the largest and most diverse collections of 17th century Spanish and Apalachee materials available anywhere,” according to the Mission San Luis website.
Mission San Luis was a colony created by the Spanish and Apalachee Indians wishing to escape English rule. It was the only Mission created where the Spanish and Apalachee Indians lived together, and did so for three generations.
We began our self-guided tour in the main building. A small museum is set up with artifacts found on the grounds. We quickly made our way to the outdoor portion, which led us to the Apalachee Council House. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I took zero photos of this amazing piece of architecture. A giant hut-looking building made from logs and palm leaves served as a meeting house that could hold 1000+ people. A nearly overwhelming sight to see, for sure.
Next, we stopped off at the blacksmith’s cabin. The re-enactor working there was incredibly knowledgable, having been in the blacksmithing industry for over 30 years. Jon and the blacksmith (Jim) could have spent the entire day chatting about everything to do with the industry. Jim was so sweet. He even took down Jon’s email address in order to send him a book he recommends for anyone looking to make blacksmithing a hobby.
After chatting up the blacksmith, we continued on to the fort. This fortress was built by the Spanish settlers and Apalachee Indian slaves who had escaped the English colonies. They sought refuge here in an attempt to defend themselves from English slave raids.
We learned all about their tools and weapons, the food they ate, and even how they created their own soap from pig fat. All the re-enactors there were dressed in character, and spilling their knowledge of this crucial time in history during the 17th century.
Two and a half hours later, Jon and I were on our way out of the 60+ acre historical establishment. Another successful walk through history. Jon just may make a history buff out of me yet. Maybe. 😉
So, if you’re in Tallahassee and looking for a fun family activity that’s also educational and interactive, look no further. Mission San Luis is a great leisure experience at an unbeatable price.
