Lightner Museum in St Augustine, FL

The only reason we went inside is because we were tired and hungry, and our trolley stopped right out in front.  The name was listed as an included attraction on the VIP passes that the tourism board had provided, so we didn’t worry about paying admission for our food hunt.  Unfortunately, we didn’t find food inside the vast stone walls of the Lightner Museum. We did, however, stumble on what would be the unexpected highlight of mine and my children’s day.

The Lightner Museum exhibits an eclectic mix of items from “The Gilded Age”, also known as the 19th century.  Furniture, art and geology artifacts are among the many things you’ll find displayed in what was once a luxury hotel in St. Augustine.  You’ll find three floors filled with both beauty and oddities.

Shrunken head on display at Lightner Museum

Statue at Lightner Museum

Although the variety was impressive, I’m not sure my children would have paid much attention to what was available if it hadn’t been for the brilliance of the free scavenger hunt.  When we got our tickets in the gift shop, each child was given a sheet of paper with questions that could only be answered by inspecting the various exhibits.  My ten-year-old was in paradise, and my five-year-old was happy to follow along.  I was just happy they weren’t bored.

I was fascinated by the museum’s collection, but I was absolutely enchanted by the courtyard outside the former hotel.  I could have spent hours watching the Koi fish in the miniature stream and marveling at the architecture and landscaping.  It was one of my favorite places to photograph in all of St. Augustine.

Around the courtyard of Lightner Museum

Outside Lightner Museum

Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and kids $12 and under are free.  This is a great museum for introducing kids to something beyond Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.  They reinforce the idea that learning can be fun – and even beautiful.

Photos by Britt Reints