A visit to St. Lucie County is a window to Florida's past. Ft. Pierce, the county seat, was the center of the town's activity and gathering place for the early settlers. Spruce Bluff, in Port St. Lucie, where the first known inhabitants settled is the site of an Ais Indian burial ground.

In the western part of the county one can find citrus groves and cattle ranches dominating the landscape. St. Lucie County and its Atlantic coastline provide visitors an opportunity to experience Florida natural and wild, "as it used to be".

The St. Lucie County Historical Museum
Devoted to local history, exhibits feature Seminole Indian encampments. The Galleon Room houses replicas of gold and silver coins, clay pottery and pewter household items from the wrecked ships of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet. A restored 1919 fire engine and antique engines are exhibited in the Fire House. Visit a 1907 settler's home and a general store, as well as photo collections and displays. Located at 414 Seaway Dr., Ft. Pierce. Phone 772-462-1795

Downtown Main Street - Fort PierceWhere historical downtown blends an ambiance of old and new. Stroll among restored turn-of-the-century buildings. Enjoy the waterfront and the beautiful Ft. Pierce City Marina. Explore quaint shops, art galleries, and a fine selection of restaurants on and off the water.

Another important historical stop is the Sunrise Theater that opened its doors on August 1, 1923. It became the largest vaudeville theater on Florida's east coast. It was the host to silent movies, concerts, plays and legendary artists such as Sally Rand and Cowboy Tom Mix. The theater closed its doors in 1983, but it still retains its beautiful Mediterranean style architecture.

Historic City Hall was built in 1925 and was used as Ft. Pierce's City Hall until 1972. It was then scheduled to be torn down, but Main Street took on the restoration project and by 1995 it was completely renovated. Currently the first floor is leased to a business and the second floor is used for banquet rentals.

Special events are planned throughout the year in Downtown Ft. Pierce. For more information call 772-466-3880.

Historical Murals A series of colorful vibrant murals depicting the city's rich heritage can be found throughout downtown Ft. Pierce.

The St. Lucie Mural Society was formed to oversee the creation and painting of these murals. For more information write to the Society at P.O. Box 4226, Ft. Piece, FL 34948.
 

UDT/SEAL
(Frogman) MUSEUM
This museum is located on the same beach where the first U.S. Navy Frogmen trained in 1943. It is the only museum dedicated exclusively to these elite fighting men. See actual equipment, weapons, diving gear, demolition apparatus, parachutes, and rubber rafts, most of which at one time were classified as Top Secret. You can view uniforms, photographs, and memorabilia from their missions from every era. Located on A1A, North Hutchinson Island, Ft. Pierce. Phone 772-595-5845.

The beaches of Pepper Park on North Hutchinson Island offer snorklers and scuba divers a chance to dive several of the 1715 wreck sites that are located just yards from the beach.

A drive through the western areas of the county takes visitors past miles of Grapefruit and Orange Groves, as well as past dozens of operating cattle and horse ranches. Fruit stands, many of which have not changed in the past 50 years, can still be found throughout the County. Here visitors will find Florida souvenirs, fresh citrus and gifts, and samples of juices to taste.

Visitors Information Center The center is housed in a refurbished 1910 Seven-Gable house that is located in downtown Ft. Pierce. The house was placed on Florida's list of historical structures in 1996. Visitor and tour information is distributed from this location. The Center is operated by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce along with a host of dedicated volunteers. The family of two of these volunteers moved into the house in the 1930's along with their five sisters. The Center is located at 482 Indian River Drive, Ft. Pierce. For more information call Ann Berner at 888-465-8243.

This page courtesy St. Lucie County Tourism.
2300 Virgina Ave. Fort Pierce Fl. 34982