New Leon County Visitor Information Center Opens in Historic train Station on Railroad Avenue

Tallahassee, Fla. (May 11, 2023) – Yesterday, Leon County Government celebrated the grand opening of the community’s new Visitor Information Center, housed in the historic train station at 918 Railroad Avenue. This 165-year-old building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been meticulously restored to its 1920s charm. The extensive renovation project has transformed the building into a multifunctional space, featuring the offices of Leon County’s Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee), the Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop, and a community room.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the globe to our new and engaging Visitor Center, dynamically positioned between businesses, hotels, campuses, a variety of venues and within walking distance of four hotels,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. “As we continue to grow and thrive as a tourism destination, the new Visitor Center is a symbol of our community’s continued progress.”

The center is strategically situated between the campuses of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Florida State University in the Arts District and within walking distance of over 400 hotel rooms. Last year alone, through the everyday work of County Tourism staff, local tourism economic impact grew to $1.2 billion by attracting more than 2.3 million visitors and supporting more than 16,000 tourism-related jobs.

“From the location to the jaw-dropping renovations to the best-in-the-business Tourism staff, the County’s Visitor Center is a vibrant hub fit for a South’s Best Community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “We are excited to see how this dynamically positioned center serves and supports our tourism economy for years to come.”

The Visitor Information Center serves visitors and residents by providing information about the area’s many attractions, lodging, events, restaurants, trails and entertainment options to enjoy while visiting Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Visitors are greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff to make the most of their time here or extend their stay in Leon County.

“It is perfect that we open the new Visitor Information Center during National Travel and Tourism Week, a week that is dedicated to celebrating the value travel holds for our economy, businesses, personal well-being and more,” said Kerri L. Post, Director of Leon County Tourism. “We are thrilled to showcase Tallahassee and the surrounding areas to both visitors and local residents in the beautifully restored 1858 train station and the artisan gift shop will add another unique retail site downtown.”

Visitors are invited to explore the beautifully restored building and learn about the various attractions, hotels, restaurants, and events in Leon County. The Visitor Center will serve as a hub for both tourists and locals, offering a curated gift shop that showcases locally made products such as jewelry, collectibles, Tallahassee/Leon County-themed postcards, hats, T-shirts, and other unique gifts. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information on the Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop, contact Katie Kole at (850) 606-2323 or Katie.Kole@VisitTallahassee.com.
 

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About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. The Capital of Cross Country, Tallahassee-Leon County is home to the internationally recognized cross-country course at Apalachee Regional Park, which will serve as the host for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. In 2022 Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.3 million visitors who contributed $1.2 Billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 14,708 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #iHeartTally and #Trailahassee.