Constitution Convention Museum State Park - Port St. Joe

Constitution Convention Museum State Park in Port St Joe, Florida, shares the story of St. Joseph and Florida's first State Constitution Convention.

Constitution Convention Museum State Park

Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Constitution Convention Museum State Park and see artifacts, museum exhibits, and an interesting life size replica of the territorial delegates.

This small state park museum has a ton of information about Florida's first constitution, which was drafted in Port Joseph (now Port St. Joe).

Port Joseph was a boom town that lasted for only nine years. It competed with Apalachicola as a Gulf Coast trading port.

While a boomtown, it was selected to host Florida's First State Constitution Convention, with 56 territorial delegates drafting the first constitution in 1838. This small Florida town was selected over Tallahassee, which was the territorial capital.

Today, visitors can enjoy the park's 14 acres, which include the museum and gorgeous park grounds.

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There is a life-size animatronic exhibit depicting the delegates in action. Pre-warning the audio-animated mannequins talk. I might have jumped a bit when, all of a sudden, they started talking.

Visitors can see a replicated convention hall from the first constitutional convention and hear the debate of delegates Robert Raymond Reid, William P. Duvall, Thomas L Baltzell, and David Y. Levy.

The Florida constitution that was drafted in 1838 became the Organic Law of Florida when the territory was admitted to the Union in 1845 to become the 27th state.

It took 34 days for the delegates to hammer out the framework for Florida's future. They finished their work on January 11, 1839.

There are really interesting displays showing life in St Joseph from 1835 to 1844. I loved seeing the decorative plates and kitchen ware.

The plates are gorgeous with so much detail in the designs.

The museum building is filled with cultural resources and exhibits of 19th-century life and the original settlement in St. Joseph.

I always find it fascinating to see how little some kitchen tools have changed in over 100 years.

The 14 acre park includes two pavillions and a path that is great for a short walk.

We love stopping and listening to birds with the Merlin App. Northwestern Florida is a great spot for seeing migratory birds.

The Port City Trail ends behind the museum building. This shared use trail provides an accessible route over 2.7 miles. Visitors can hike and bike the trail between Downtown Port St. Joe and the Museum.

Why you will love

• Top things to do in Port Saint Joe
• Learn more about the rich history of the Gulf Coast of Florida
• Great Florida State Park

Things to know when planning a visit to Constitution Convention Museum State Park

Address - 200 Allen Memorial Way, Port St. Joe, Florida, 32456

Phone - 850-229-8029

Hours - 9 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 5 pm Eastern time Thursday through Monday.

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Entrance Fee - $2 per person, Children under the age of 5 are free. It is free to walk the museum grounds.

Accessibility - There is an accessible entrance at the back of the museum. Inside the museum everything is on one floor.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual

Pets - Pets are not allowed inside the museum. The 14 acre park has trails that you can walk.

Parking  - There is a parking area near the front entrance of the state park museum.

Port St Joe Restaurants and Attractions nearby

Shoobies -  family-friendly ice cream shop that serves delicious sweet treats! They have unique sundaes, water ice, and Jersey gelatos.

 Joe Mamma's - Great pizza restaurant has delicious food!

Sweet Bunz - Cute bakery on Reid Ave with donuts, ice cream, and more.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse - Check out the views from the top of the lighthouse or learn more in the visitor center.