Jacksonville Junior Explorers Summer Tour

Stop #1: City Hall – Welcome to City Hall! This big, beautiful building isn’t just where important city decisions are made—it’s also full of history. Inside the atrium, look up! It’s bright, open, and super cool—like a mix between a museum and a castle. If we’re lucky, we might even peek inside the City Council Chamber, where local leaders make big decisions (kind of like superheroes for the city!). Fun fact: This building used to be a fancy hotel over 100 years ago!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Stop #2: James Weldon Johnson Park – Jacksonville’s Oldest Park! You’re standing in the oldest park in the city—right in the middle of downtown! This park has been here for over 150 years and has seen all kinds of history, from big parades to peaceful protests. It’s named after James Weldon Johnson, a famous writer and civil rights leader from Jacksonville who wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” He helped change the world with his words! Today, this park is full of art, music, and fun. You’re walking through history—and a really cool place to hang out!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Stop #3: The Secret Treasure Room of the Library! Welcome to the Special Collections Room on the 4th floor of the Main Library—one of the coolest hidden gems in Jacksonville! This room holds rare books, old photos, and a map collection worth over half a million dollars! Some maps show what Jacksonville looked like long before cars, highways, or even air conditioning. Everything here helps tell the story of our city in amazing detail—just waiting to be explored!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Jacksonville Bonus Stops: Jacob Jewelers Clock & Downtown Murals! Take a look at that big green clock! The Jacob Jewelers Clock was built right after the fire of 1901 and has been a downtown landmark for 200 years. Locals have used it to tell time for generations—it’s Jacksonville’s own historic timekeeper! While you’re exploring, keep an eye out for the downtown murals—huge, colorful paintings on the sides of buildings. They show off Jacksonville’s history, heroes, and artistic flair. Each one is like a giant storybook page!

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