Looking for a way to add an intriguing educational component to your trip? Visit the John Gorrie Museum! Historians, curious travelers, and collectors of fun facts will love exploring this unique piece of Apalachicola history.
Start planning your trip to the John Gorrie Museum today! After you pencil it in to your vacation schedule, find even more amazing vacation activities for you and your family. Our Things to Do page lists all of the best that the St. George Island – the premier destination on the Forgotten Coast – has to offer. In addition to outdoor activities, it also contains a range of restaurants and local businesses that your family will love! The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, don’t forget to check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation!
History of the John Gorrie Museum
The John Gorrie Museum is named for John Gorrie, a physician who moved to this area in the early 1800s. His influence was felt throughout Apalachicola in many ways. During his life in the town, he served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director, in addition to treating patients.
On top of all of these achievements, John Gorrie also became an inventor. In a quest to assist his patients suffering from yellow fever, he designed a machine to help cool their rooms. This development made him an early pioneer of air conditioning and refrigeration and eventually earned him a U.S. patent.
Visiting the John Gorrie Museum State Park
To find out more about Dr. Gorrie, his many achievements, and his contributions to The Forgotten Coast, visit the John Gorrie Museum State Park. The park includes several interpretive exhibits, including a replica of Gorrie’s original ice machine and displays about the history of Apalachicola. There are also spaces for picnicking at the site.
The address of the John Gorrie Museum State Park is 46 6th Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Monday. (It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.) The admission fee is $2 per person; children 5 and under are free.
Rent one of the Best Vacation Rentals on the Forgotten Coast
When you spend your days exploring the John Gorrie Museum and other fun historical sites, spend your nights at a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes come fully stocked with all of the amenities you need to have a vacation you’ll never forget. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can take full advantage of our location on the stunning Forgotten Coast. Our Fall and Winter Specials are a great way to experience all that the area has to offer, without the seasonal crowds!
When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!
