Mission San Luis Nominated for Best Open-Air Museum

Voting is now open

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Mission San Luis in Tallahassee has been nominated for USA TODAY 10BEST in the category of Open-Air Museum for the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. Voting is now open for the top award.

"Mission San Luis is Florida's only reconstructed Spanish mission and provides families the opportunity to explore Florida's influential role in national history through tangible encounters and immersive experiences," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "As we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation, I invite all Floridians to help Mission San Luis promote our state's unique history before a national audience."

Mission San Luis is Tallahassee's only National Historic Landmark, offering 60 acres of green space; historic gardens; and six recreated historical buildings to explore, to include a Franciscan church, a Spanish house, palisaded fort, a blacksmith shop, and the largest reconstructed Apalachee council house in the Southeast.

Knowledge of life at Mission San Luis comes from archaeological and historical research and the grounds are the most thoroughly investigated mission in the southeastern United States. Interpreters in period wardrobe teach visitors about the life of the Apalachee and Spanish people who lived here more than 300 years ago. To learn more about Mission San Luis visit the website, MissionSanLuis.org.

The public can vote daily between now and February 9 here: Mission San Luis: 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards.

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About Mission San Luis

Mission San Luis, Florida's Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum was the western capital of Spanish Florida from 1656 to 1704. Today, Mission San Luis brings the early 1700s to life with living history interpreters in period wardrobe, reconstructed period buildings, exhibits, and archaeological research. The site is managed by the Florida Department of State, and support is provided by the Friends of Florida History, Inc. Mission San Luis is Tallahassee's only National Historic Landmark. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests must use the entrance at 2021 Mission Road due to construction at the site. Mission San Luis is pet-friendly to animals on leashes all year round. For more information visit www.missionsanluis.org.