A remarkable 21-acre living history museum featuring over 30 authentic historic buildings, from an 1852 pioneer log cabin to a magnificent Victorian mansion—all free to explore, right next door to the Florida Botanical Gardens.
Why We Love This Place
Heritage Village is one of those magical places where history comes alive. Imagine walking through a village where you can step inside an 1852 log cabin, buy a Coca-Cola from a vintage refrigerator in a 1915 general store, explore a one-room schoolhouse, and tour a stunning 13-room Victorian mansion—all in a single afternoon. And here’s the best part: it’s completely free.
What makes Heritage Village truly special is that these aren’t replicas—they’re real buildings that were carefully relocated from all across Pinellas County to preserve their stories. Each structure tells a chapter of Florida history, from the pioneer days of the 1850s through the early 20th century tourism boom. The village sits on 21 acres of beautiful natural pine and palmetto landscape, giving you the feeling of stepping back into “Old Florida.”
As one visitor put it: “I have never seen a place like this that didn’t charge $18 a person to walk through.” Heritage Village proves that the best things in life really can be free. And when you’re done exploring, the Florida Botanical Gardens is literally next door—making this the perfect full-day adventure for families.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 11909 125th Street N, Largo, FL 33774 |
| 🕐 Hours | Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Closed Monday, Tuesday & County Holidays |
| 💵 Admission | FREE (donations appreciated) |
| 🅿️ Parking | FREE at multiple lots |
| 🐕 Dogs | Welcome on leash (service dogs only inside buildings) |
| 📏 Size | 21 acres with 33 historic structures |
| 📞 Phone | (727) 582-2123 |
| ⏱️ Suggested Visit | 2-3 hours (add time for Botanical Gardens) |
| 🎫 Part of | Pinewood Cultural Park (182 acres total) |
Must-See Historic Buildings
With over 30 structures to explore, here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
🏠 McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin (c. 1852)
This humble cabin is the oldest existing structure in all of Pinellas County. Built by Captain James Parramore McMullen in Clearwater, it’s a perfect example of a Florida Cracker log home from the pioneer era. The simple 14-foot by 14-foot structure shows how the earliest settlers lived—no electricity, no running water, just rugged frontier life.
🏰 House of Seven Gables (1907)
The crown jewel of Heritage Village! This magnificent Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion features 13 rooms clad in heart of pine and represents the height of Edwardian elegance. Originally built by David N. Starr of Rockford, Illinois as a retirement home, the building was later a boarding house before being barged down from Clearwater to Heritage Village in 1977. The seven distinctive gables give the home its name and make it the most photographed building in the village.
🏪 H.C. Smith General Store (1915)
Step inside this authentic general store and grocery that originally stood at 6th Avenue and 5th Street in St. Petersburg. Don’t miss the vintage Coca-Cola refrigerator—visitors love grabbing a cold bottle just like folks did over a century ago! The store is filled with period merchandise, antique signs, and nostalgic items that transport you back to simpler times.
🚂 Sulphur Springs Railroad Depot (1924)
The only structure in Heritage Village from outside Pinellas County, this authentic train depot originally stood in Sulphur Springs near Tampa. It represents the railroad depots that once dotted Florida during the emergence of the state’s rail system. Before railroads, settlers traveled by foot, buggy, horseback, or boat—the railroad changed everything.
⛪ Safety Harbor Church (1888)
This simple wood-frame Methodist church was built using lumber from E.H. Coachman’s sawmill at Philippe Hammock (now Philippe Park). Circuit-riding pastors served multiple congregations from here, traveling to Largo, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and beyond. The original 1886 pulpit from the earlier Sylvan Abbey Methodist Episcopal Church is still inside.
🏫 Harris School (1912 Replica)
This replica of the original one-room schoolhouse that stood on Haines Road in St. Petersburg welcomes visitors to experience a 1904 school day. Sit at the old wooden desks, see the slate chalkboards, and imagine what education was like for Florida children over a century ago.
📚 Union Academy
One of the most historically significant buildings in the village. Originally located in Tarpon Springs, this building was one of the first African-American schools in Pinellas County. Built as a WWI barrack, it later served as a portable classroom before being moved to the Union Academy campus in 1942 to educate Black students during the era of segregation. It’s believed to be one of the earliest surviving examples of a portable classroom in Florida.
🧽 Sponge Warehouse (1930s)
This authentic warehouse from Tarpon Springs tells the story of the Greek sponge diving industry that shaped the region. Built by Drosos Alahuzos for his Philadelphia-based wholesale sponge business, it still has the original signs noting office locations in Pennsylvania and Greece. Inside, you can see how sponges were stored and learn about this fascinating chapter of Florida history.
💒 Boyer Cottage (1878)
A charming Gulf Coast-style “honeymoon cottage” built along the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs. At just 14 feet by 14 feet, this tiny one-room structure was built by fisherman Joshua Boyer for his bride, Mary Ormond—the ultimate starter home!
🎵 Williams Park Bandstand
This beautiful reproduction of the 1890 bandstand that once stood in Williams Park in St. Petersburg now hosts live performances, special events, and even photo shoots.
Things to Do at Heritage Village
🚶 1. Self-Guided Walking Tour
Grab a map at the Visitor Center and explore at your own pace. Brick pathways wind through the village, connecting all the historic structures. Each building has interpretive signage explaining its history, original location, and the stories of the people who lived or worked there. Plan for at least 2 hours to see everything.
👨🏫 2. Guided Tours
Dedicated volunteers offer guided tours of select historic homes, giving you access to rooms and details you can’t see on a self-guided visit. The docents are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about local history—their stories bring the buildings to life.
🏛️ 3. Visit the Museum Galleries
The Visitor Center houses two gallery spaces with rotating exhibits exploring Pinellas County history:
- “Pinellas Passport: Your Ticket Through Time” – Illustrates growth and development through agriculture, coastal living, community life, and tourism
- “Quick and Easy: Gadgets for the Home” – A fun look at labor-saving devices used by “modern housewives” to tackle domestic chores
- Christopher Still Prints – Collection of murals commissioned by the Florida House of Representatives filled with historical clues
🌿 4. Walk the Nature Trail
The Shirley McPherson Nature Trail weaves through pine flatwoods among the same native plants used by early settlers. Named after a beloved supporter of Heritage Village and member of the Florida Native Plant Society, this peaceful trail offers a chance to see Florida wildlife and learn about native plants.
🌸 5. Explore the Sensory Garden
Added in 1983, this unique garden allows visitors with sight impairments to enjoy the village through touch and smell. The “Circle of the Senses” features ten aromatic plants and herbs, all with captions in braille.
🔨 6. Watch Live Demonstrations
During special events and select days throughout the year, you can witness traditional crafts and skills including:
- Sugar cane syrup making in the traditional mill
- Blacksmithing
- Woodworking
- Rope making
- Corn shelling
- Weaving and spinning
🛍️ 7. Shop at the Gift Shop
The Heritage Mercantile gift shop offers surprisingly affordable souvenirs, locally-made items including honey, blankets, ornaments, books on Florida history, and unique handcrafted gifts. Visitors rave about the reasonable prices!
📖 8. Research Your Family History
The Heritage Village Archives & Library contains 3,500 books and periodicals, plus historic photographs, maps, and special collections relating to Pinellas County history—a treasure trove for genealogists and history buffs.
Annual Events & Special Programs
| Event | When | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Third Saturdays at Pinewood | Monthly | Free family programs connecting Heritage Village, Florida Botanical Gardens, and Creative Pinellas |
| Artisan Festival | November | Traditional crafts festival (formerly Country Jubilee) with artisans, food trucks, vintage cars, demonstrations—started in 1977! |
| Trees & Traditions | December | Historic buildings decorated for the holidays showing how Pinellas residents celebrated from the 1850s through 1950s |
| PumpkinFest | Fall | At adjacent Florida Botanical Gardens with trick-or-treating in Heritage Village |
| African American Heritage Celebration | February | One-day festival showcasing Black history and culture at Pinewood Cultural Park |
| Pin-Mar Antique Car Show | Varies | Vintage automobiles displayed throughout the village |
| 50th Anniversary Festival | February 28, 2026 | Special celebration marking Heritage Village’s 50th year! |
Perfect For…
| 📚 History Buffs | 33 authentic historic structures spanning 150+ years of Florida history |
| 👨👩👧👦 Families | Interactive exhibits, scavenger hunts, hands-on activities for kids, plus the Botanical Gardens next door |
| 📷 Photographers | Gorgeous Victorian architecture, rustic log cabins, Spanish moss-draped oaks |
| 🔍 Genealogists | Archives with 3,500+ books, historic photos, maps, and special collections |
| 💰 Budget Travelers | FREE admission, FREE parking—combine with FREE Botanical Gardens for a full day |
| 🐕 Dog Owners | Leashed dogs welcome on grounds (service dogs only in buildings) |
Know Before You Go
🎒 Tips for Your Visit
- Start at the Visitor Center – Pick up a map and check which buildings have docents that day
- Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking on brick paths and uneven ground
- Bring water – Florida heat can be intense, especially in summer
- Call ahead for volunteers – Building availability depends on volunteer staffing; call (727) 582-2123
- Pack a picnic – There are shaded areas perfect for lunch, then visit the Botanical Gardens!
- Check the events calendar – Special events feature live demonstrations and extra activities
♿ Accessibility
The following sites are ADA accessible: Circle of the Senses, Harris School, H.C. Smith Store, House of Seven Gables, McKay Creek Boat Shop, Safety Harbor Church, Safford Pavilion, and Sponge Warehouse. Paved pathways connect most areas.
🅿️ Parking Options
- Gate 1 (West Entrance): 11909 125th Street N – Main Heritage Village lot
- Gate 4 (East Entrance): 12211 Walsingham Road – Florida Botanical Gardens lot with bridge access to Heritage Village
- Ulmerton Road lot: 12520 Ulmerton Road – Pinellas County Extension parking
Combine with Florida Botanical Gardens!
🌺 Pro Tip: Heritage Village sits within the 182-acre Pinewood Cultural Park, right next door to the Florida Botanical Gardens—also completely FREE! You can walk between them or drive around to the Walsingham Road entrance. Together, they make for an amazing full-day adventure combining history, nature, and art (Creative Pinellas gallery is here too). Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Nearby Attractions
- Florida Botanical Gardens – Adjacent! 150+ acres of gardens, nature trails, wetlands walkway (FREE)
- Creative Pinellas (The Gallery) – Contemporary art exhibitions within Pinewood Cultural Park (FREE)
- McGough Nature Park (Turtle Park) – Feed turtles and meet rescued raptors (~10 min)
- Largo Central Park – 70+ acres with trails, splash pad, mini golf, and more (~5 min)
- Pinellas Trail – 50-mile paved trail for biking and walking (crosses nearby)
- Walsingham Park – Nature trails and recreation (~5 min)
Driving Directions from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Harbor Dr, Largo, FL
To: Heritage Village, 11909 125th St N, Largo, FL 33774
Distance: Approximately 5 miles
Drive Time: About 12-15 minutes
Turn-by-Turn Directions:
- Head east on Clearwater Harbor Dr toward the mainland
- Turn right (south) onto Clearwater Largo Rd
- Continue to Ulmerton Rd and turn left (east)
- Continue on Ulmerton Rd for approximately 2 miles
- Turn right (south) onto 125th St N
- Heritage Village will be on your right
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions
Alternative: Via Florida Botanical Gardens (Walsingham Road Entrance)
Address: 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33774
Park here and walk across the bridge into Heritage Village—a beautiful way to combine both attractions!
📱 Google Maps: Click here for GPS directions to Botanical Gardens entrance
Contact Information
Pinellas County Heritage Village
11909 125th Street North
Largo, FL 33774
Phone: (727) 582-2123
Website: www.heritagevillagefl.org
County Parks: pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village
Supporting Organizations
Pinellas County Historical Society: The museum’s primary fundraising and advocacy organization. They hold title to most of Heritage Village’s artifact and archival collections and support preservation efforts.
Heritage Village is one of those rare gems that reminds you the best experiences don’t have to cost a fortune. Where else can you explore the oldest structure in Pinellas County, tour a 13-room Victorian mansion, buy a Coke from a 1915 general store, and learn about the African-American experience in early Florida—all for free? Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just looking for a unique family outing, Heritage Village delivers an unforgettable journey through 150 years of Florida history. Don’t forget to walk next door to the Florida Botanical Gardens to complete your adventure!
