St Lucie County History Center, Fort Pierce

Don't miss a visit to the St Lucie County Regional History Center! This large and attractive history center is packed with excellent exhibits where you will learn a lot and be inspired! The friendly staff also take you on a tour of the historic Gardner house as well as garages full of interesting equipment. The best part is that we got to hear a real gramophone! Most people have never had a chance to do this! We also heard the real hand-cranked siren on an historic firetruck. It was fascinating to see the kitchen of the historic house, with old-fashioned refrigerator that had to be filled by an ice delivery man. The house was built for maximum breezes to blow through.

Inside the museum, through beautiful displays and some hands-on exhibits too, you will learn about the seminole indians, the town portrait photographers, orange and pineapple farming, lagoon fishing, naval amphibious training, battles, barbed wire, Spanish ships, pine needle weaving (quite amazing), and more! School-aged kids really enjoy a visit here, especially if they do the treasure hunt (ask for it at the entrance).
In front of the history museum is the Smithsonian Aquarium, a small but well-cared-for aquarium.
Both these centers are in a gorgeous area fronting the lagoon, with a white sand beach, playground, and walking path past the bright turquoise waters filled with arching dolphins.
Continue to Jetty Park to see the electric blue water and walk along the waterfront on the pretty path dotted with swinging benches. See the beautiful Coast Guard Station on your left as you drive along, at 900 Seaway Drive. 
While in Fort Pierce, you must go to the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, a tropical paradise with themed gardens and lovely flowers everywhere! It is a ten minute drive south.
For a pretty beach, check out Pepper Park Beach. It is a ten minute drive north, on the other island.
After, have a coffee in downtown Fort Pierce, at Old Florida Coffee Company, one of the nicest spots in town and only a four minute drive away.
The town of Fort Pierce, from the freeway to the coast, is quite ugly, but once you get to the water, things improve. Overall, this is a poor area, and you won't find anything ritzy.

Directions

St Lucie County Regional History Center is located at 414 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce FL 34949, call (772) 462-1795.
Open Tues-Sat 10-4, Closed Sun and Mon.
Entry is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors aged 55 and up, and $3 for children aged 4-17.
There is free parking with a waterfront view!

Click on map for interactive view