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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
Exploring Heritage Village in Largo: A Parent’s Guide to This Historical Adventure
By Brie Gorecki,
2024-04-02
Heritage Village is a special place that feels like stepping back into Florida's early history. Nestled beside the Florida Botanical Gardens, you’ll get a peek into life from bygone days.
Once you set foot on the grounds, it’s truly like going back in time! From walking through the oldest house in Pinellas County to wandering the aisles of the old general store, it makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting multiple times, so I am sharing some expert tips with you. Keep reading to know what to expect at Heritage Village including things to see and important thing to remember.
Chances are, you may have taken a field trip here at one point. Whether you have and want to rediscover Florida’s past or have never visited and want to learn more about what life was like over 100 years ago, Heritage Village makes a great educational and fun afternoon – and it’s one of the great free things to do with kids in Tampa Bay.
What You Can See at Heritage Village
Heritage Village is filled with buildings and houses that were once occupied in various areas of Pinellas County, dating back to the 1850s. These structures were relocated to their present site to protect their historical significance and to share the story of the county's history with visitors.
Houses:
Seven Gables House – 1907
Boyer Cottage – 1878
Greenwood House – 1888
Lowe House – 1888
Madeira Beach Cottage – 1939
McMullan House – 1868
McMullan-Coachman Log Cabin – 1852 (oldest structure in Pinellas County!)
Moore House – 1875
Plant-Summer House – mid-1890s
Turner Bungalow – 1915
Walshingham House – 1915
The Safety Harbor Church, 1905
Schools and Businesses:
Harris School House – 1912
H.C. Smith General Store – 1915
Fire Engine House – 1919
Lowe Barn – 1911
McKay Creek Boat Shop – 1947
Safety Harbor Church – 1905
Safford Pavilion – 1896
Sponge Warehouse – 1930
Sulpher Springs Depot – date unknown
Union Academy- 1915
William Park Bandstand – 1894
You can explore all the buildings, and some are even arranged just like they were in the past!
To help enhance your experience and for a self-guided tour, download theFREE Heritage Village app. You can follow the map, hear stories, and read about each location along the way.
Special Exhibits
Head to the Visitor Center on the Village’s grounds to check out two museum exhibits. Learn about the history of Pinellas County through objects from the museum’s collection along with items from the archive and museum library.
Learn about Florida’s past at the Visitor’s Center!
Be sure to view the Pinellas Passport at Roy Helms Gallery. Travel through time and explore coastal living, agriculture, community life, and tourism that helped shape the history of Pinellas County.
The McKay Creek Boat Shop Exhibit is the museum’s newest exhibit. It explores the life and times of local boat builder, Clark Mills, as well as the importance of the Optimist Pram boat design and sailing’s impact in Pinellas County.
Demonstrations
During certain times throughout the year and on special events, you can also catch demonstrations that show first-hand what life was like in the earlier days. See why smokehouses were used, watch how workers create syrup at the Sugar Cane Mill & Boiling Shed, and see what’s created at the blacksmith and woodworking areas.
Admission: Admission is free! Donations are welcome to help support Heritage Village operations.
Parking: There is free public parking directly in front of the Heritage Village entrance.
What to Bring
We recommend wearing sneakers and bringing water and bug spray during the warmer months! There are restrooms available on-site. Leashed dogs are welcome outside only (service animals are allowed inside the structures).
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