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Museums on the Forgotten Coast

Franklin County, Florida’s rich coastal history is connected to its maritime traditions and culture and is reflected in the area’s many museums and historic sites.

Check out our new museum video series highlighting museums in Franklin County.

In Apalachicola, the John Gorrie Museum State Park contains a replica of Dr. Gorrie’s ice-making machine. Two historic antebellum museums, the Raney House and Orman House, feature 19th century furnishings and provide a glimpse into life as it was in Apalachicola during the 1800s. The Carrabelle History Museum and Crooked River Lighthouse and Museum feature historic displays of the area, commerce and heritage. At Carrabelle Beach, The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum preserves the heritage of Camp Gordon Johnston, a WWII training camp once located at Lanark Village. The museum includes displays of the area and life as it existed at the camp during the 1940s. On St. George Island, the Cape St. George Lighthouse and Museum feature the connection to the area’s maritime past. Click here to learn more about Franklin County, Florida's rich history.

Cape St. George Light

Cape St. George Light

St. George Island

The Cape St. George Light which stands at the center of St. George Island, is the fourth reconstruction of the historic lighthouse that was originally built on what is now…
The Orman House Museum

The Orman House Museum

Apalachicola

Visit the Orman House Historic State Park and learn about Thomas Orman, a cotton merchant, and businessman in Apalachicola. The beautifully preserved home features details of both Federal and Greek…
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center

Eastpoint

Visit the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center to learn about the Apalachicola River and Bay and the diverse flora and fauna of the Forgotten Coast.  Visitors first encounter…
Carrabelle History Museum

Carrabelle History Museum

Carrabelle

The Carrabelle History Museum is truly a community treasure. Personal memorabilia and local artifacts tell the story of Carrabelle from the eyes and ears of its long term residents. Exhibit…
Big Bend Scenic Byway

Big Bend Scenic Byway

County Wide

The Big Bend Scenic Byway is a 220-mile corridor covers both forest and coastal resources of Leon, Franklin and Wakulla Counties. It is one of 150 highways across the U.S. to…
Apalachicola Historic District

Apalachicola Historic District

County Wide

More than 900 historic homes and buildings from the National Historic District, dating from the 1830s, can be seen on the city’s walking tour. Included are cotton warehouses, which housed…
Fort Gadsden Historic Site

Fort Gadsden Historic Site

Eastpoint

Located on the east bank of the Apalachicola River approximately 45 minutes north of Eastpoint, accessed by Highway 65. The site interprets the role of Native and African Americans during…
Veterans Memorial Plaza

Veterans Memorial Plaza

Apalachicola

Located at 2300 Market Street in Apalachicola, Veteran's Memorial Plaza is just in front of the Orman House. The centerpiece of the Veteran's Memorial Plaza is the Three Soldiers, Detail…
The Raney House Museum

The Raney House Museum

Apalachicola

The Raney House Museum was purchased in 1973 and established as a museum exhibiting furniture, documents, and artifacts of the 19th century. Members of the Raney Family lived in the…
John Gorrie Museum State Park

John Gorrie Museum State Park

Apalachicola

The John Gorrie Museum State Park in Apalachicola contains a replica of the ice machine created and patented by Dr. John Gorrie. Gorrie was a medical doctor working to combat…
Chestnut Street Cemetery

Chestnut Street Cemetery

Apalachicola

The Chestnut Street Cemetery is the oldest burying ground in Apalachicola and is the burial site of many individuals connected with the town's history and development.  Approximately 540 marked graves…
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum

Carrabelle

The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum was established to honor and preserve the heritage of the men and women who trained at the camp during WWII. Camp Gordon Johnston opened…
Apalach Ghost Tour

Apalach Ghost Tour

Apalachicola

Take a haunted tour in downtown Apalachicola with your own personal ghostly guide.  Hear ghost stories about people from the town’s past told in front of some of the city’s…
Crooked River Lighthouse

Crooked River Lighthouse

Carrabelle

For over 125 years Crooked River Lighthouse has been a guiding light for sea travelers navigating the treacherous pass between Dog and St. George Islands. The 103-foot tower erected in…
Historic Apalachicola Walking Tour

Historic Apalachicola Walking Tour

Apalachicola

Visitors to Apalachicola immediately know that they are in a very special place. Apalachicola is synonymous with character and authenticity. Download this walking tour map here or pick up your…