From 1656 to 1704, San Luis de Talimali was the capital of the Spanish missions among the Apalachee Indians. One of the largest of the missions in La Florida, the town had 1,400 inhabitants in 1675. At one time, the village included a Spanish fort, a church complex, an Apalachee council house, residential areas, and a large central plaza. Threatened by hostile forces in 1704, residents burned San Luis and fled to St Augustine and Pensacola. Fifty acres of the original townsite were purchased by the State of Florida in 1983; historical and archaeological research and public education programs followed soon after.

ADDRESS

San Luis Archeological and Historic Site
2020 W Mission Rd
Tallahassee, FL 32304

TELEPHONE

(904) 487-3711

OPERATING HOURS

9 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday, 12 PM to 4:30 PM Sunday, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Summer - Dress cool, temperature in the 90s, insect repellant recommended, drinking water if hiking, suntan lotion if planning on extended outside activity.

Winter- normally mild in the 40 to 76 degree range, wear layers of light clothing. Occasional drops into the 20's and 30's.

DIRECTIONS

San Luis is located just off of U.S. 90 ,at the intersection of Mission Rd. and Ocala Rd., approximately 2 miles west of downtown Tallahassee. From U.S. 90 follow signs to the park.

This map was created using MapQuest

FEES, COSTS, RATES

Free guided tours, which last one hour, are given daily: weekdays, 12:00 noon; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Tours for large groups can be arranged by reservation..

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Trails, Roadways Programs, Activities
A path around the site connects outdoor exhibits and markers located where mission-era structures once stood. Historic interpreters in period dress occasionally demonstrate Spanish life in a reconstructed village area. Full-scale reconstructions in progress of an Apalachee chief's house and a Spanish dwelling will provide additional backdrops for the living history interpreters.

ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES

Lake Jackson Mounds; Tallahassee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For information about archeological activities, call (904) 487-3711.