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What Is the Ringling Museum in Sarasota?

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, founded in 1927 and built on 66 acres of land, is an ode to the incredible John Ringling and Mable Ringling, both of whom started from nothing and made their way to the top. The Ringling Museum is home to some of the most incredible exhibits and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy.

It’s a fun learning experience that allows visitors to learn more about the history of the circus and all the incredible things that have happened in the circus world over the past century. The Ringling Museum is the spot to visit for an entire day of fun and excitement, or even just a few hours.

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About John Ringling and the Ringling Circus

John Ringling, a self-made entrepreneur, found success as one of seven Ringling Brothers. As one of the brothers, he agreed to collaborate with the Barnum & Bailey Circus to bring something incredible to people across the country through the art of travel circuses. He played a significant role in helping turn the circus into what it has become today, something families look forward to visiting when they want to see fun and adventure live and in front of their faces.

Choosing to combine two circuses into one for a truly remarkable, one-of-a-kind experience for viewers, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey debuted their new circus at Madison Square Garden for spectators to watch and enjoy. The move would change everything within the circus world as they knew it and quickly led to the Ringling Brothers becoming known as the Circus Kings, John included.

So, what makes John so special? He was the last surviving brother and operated as President of the company, handling everything from logistics to scheduling, management, and more with help from his wife, Mable.

Because of his remarkable success as President, John decided to buy the American Circus Corporation in 1929 for a staggering  $1.7 million, becoming the proud owner of every single travel circus in the United States. His commitment to the circus world doesn’t go unnoticed and will continue to live on as people visit the Ringling Museum and learn more about him and his wild journey.

Sarasota – Winter Home of the Ringling Circus

Nearly 100 years ago, John Ringling decided it was the perfect time to transport the circus, known as The Greatest Show on Earth, from its original winter home in Bridgeport, Connect, shifting it to the beautiful, warm area of Sarasota, Florida. It was during a time when John and his wife, Mable, were investing in real estate in the area, ultimately falling in love with everything about the beautiful city of Sarasota.

While it was a huge decision to make, it benefited John Ringling and the winter circus as it became the biggest attraction in the city, capturing the attention of many and turning Sarasota into the place to be during the winter.

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What to See at the Ringling Museum

When visiting the Ringling Museum, you can expect to see and learn a lot. From the impressive gallery full of fantastic artwork to the tour of the Ca’d’Zan Mansion and so much more, you’ll spend hours gaining valuable new knowledge and discovering all the hidden secrets and exciting tidbits about the circus world.

Here are some of the exhibits you can enjoy, and our thoughts about them from our own visit!

Circus Museum at the Ringling

The Circus Museum at the Ringling is one of the best spots to visit during a trip! Honestly, I was a super interested in this at first. But after popping into the exhibit, I can say that this was one of the COOLEST exhibits! We loved it and found the whole collection absolutely fascinating!

The interactive museum has something for everyone, whether traveling alone, with other adults, or with the children. Have a fantastic time learning more about the history of the circus while trying your luck at walking on a wire or squeezing yourself into the bright-colored clown car. Get an inside look at some of the most stunning costumes worn by performers throughout the decades and even review the archives to learn more about past performances and how they’ve changed over the years.

There were so many fun things to explore and interact with at the circus museum. PLUS — they have seriously the coolest gigantic dioramas that show the massive scale of the production when the circus came to town. I knew it was a big deal back in the day, but this really put it into perspective. It was like building an entire town…and then picking it up to move it, and build it again somewhere else!

Do NOT miss the diorama room. You can walk all the way around and it actually takes quite a while. But it is really cool to see. 

Ca’d’Zan (House of John) – AKA “The Ringling Mansion”

Would you like to see what it was like living in luxury as a circus leader? If so, you’ll want to stop by the Ca’d’Zan, a place that John and Mable Ringling once called home. Despite their relatively humble beginnings in life, the two would eventually live a life of luxury. The mansion was first built in the 1920s and quickly became the coveted winter home for the couple, who spent most of their winters beating the cold weather by living in this beautiful mansion.

The Mediterranean-style mansion takes up roughly 36,000 square feet, with more than 50 rooms sprawled throughout the property, and is quite the sight to see. Get a feel for how the Ringling couple lived their lives with a tour of this spacious, stunning mansion with its incredible architecture and interior design.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Another fantastic sight to see during your trip to Sarasota is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Long before his death, John Ringling became a collector of artwork who found inspiration and joy in such astonishing pieces crafted by artists across the country. Meeting Mable, someone as enthusiastic about art as him, was like a dream come true.

The couple would eventually spend time attending auctions and bidding on different pieces, including tapestry and paintings, amassing an impressively large collection of artwork to use around their home. Now, much of that artwork is displayed for the rest of the world to see at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. If you’re an art enthusiast looking forward to seeing thought-provoking pieces that can leave you inspired, this is the museum to visit.

How Long Does It Take to Visit the Ringling Museum?

A trip to the Ringling Museum can take several hours, at minimum. It really depends on how much you want to explore.  You could just make a quick trip of it, but if you really want to soak in the circus museum, mansion and also the art museum, then I think you do need the better part of a day.

If anything, plan to spend 3-4 hours minimum, just to ensure you aren’t super rushed. Still, I think you could spend even more time if you prefer.

Will Kids Enjoy the Ringling Museum?

Many kids will enjoy certain aspects of visiting the Ringling Museum. In particular, the Circus Museum is a really fun area. There are lots of colorful costumes and also many interactive exhibits, including some videos too. While the Ringling Mansion and Art Museum may be of less interest to children.

When the kids get restless there are open grassy park-like areas in between the various exhibit buildings where the kiddos can work out some of their energy. The David F. Bolger Playspace is a playground area on the property with slides, swings, and fountains too.

Is There Food Available at the Ringling? Or Can I Bring a Picnic?

Coolers are allowed if you’d prefer to save money and pack a lunch (just not during special events). Because you can expect to be there for quite a while, consider packing some snacks for the kids.  The Dwarf Garden is a great place to set up a picnic and enjoy a break from exhibits.

But there are also multiple food options onsite around the property. You can visit Mable’s Coffee and Tea to grab a quick sip and a bite to eat or you can stop by The Ringling Grillroom, The Ringling Concessions, and The Wandering Chef Food Truck.

How Much Do Tickets Cost to Visit the Ringling & How Can You Buy Tickets?

Museum admission tickets cost $25 for adults, $23 for seniors at least 65 years old and up, $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 17, and are completely FREE for anyone five and under. Special discounts are available for military members, college students, and Florida state teachers. If you fall under one of these categories, you can enjoy access to the museum at a reduced price!

You can buy tickets directly on the Ringling website HERE, and we recommend you do because it makes it much easier and you can skip any line when you arrive.

Special Events & Free Museum Mondays!

There are many special events held at the Ringling throughout the year. Be sure to check their website for more information. Also, if you are looking to save some money you can visit the Ringling on Mondays when the Museum of Art and Bayfront Gardens are open to the public free of charge!

However, if you want to visit the Mansion or the Circus Museum, those still have regular admission fees even on Mondays.

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Where Is the Ringling Museum in Sarasota?

The Ringling Museum is located in north Sarasota along the bayfront at 5401 Bay Shore Rd in Sarasota, FL. It’s actually nearby the Sarasota-Bradenton airport as well as several local attractions and hot spots, including Sapphire Shores Park, Stephens Point, the New College of Florida, and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

The museum is just a short drive north of downtown Sarasota, and a bit further from popular visitor hotspots like Siesta Key (which is south of downtown Sarasota).  Wherever you plan to stay, the Ringling is pretty convenient to get to from any part of town.

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota is a fantastic museum to visit here in Florida. It’s the kind of place you can visit with anyone, such as friends, family, and students, with much to do, see, and experience for hours on end. So if you’re looking for a fun way to learn more about John and Mable Ringling, their history with the circus, and their incredible collection of artwork, this is the museum to visit.

The post The Ringling Museum in Sarasota: Explore the Ca’d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum & Art appeared first on That Florida Life.

How Many Lighthouses Are In Florida? 

Florida houses some of the country’s oldest and tallest lighthouses. In total, you can find thirty lighthouses in the Sunshine State. With the second-longest coastline in the United States (just trailing behind Alaska), it’s no surprise that the state has such a high count of lighthouses. 

With Florida’s almost 700 miles of beaches, sailors needed some way to help them navigate the ever-evolving sandbars, inlets, and shoals, which constantly presented dangerous obstacles for them. That’s where these lighthouses come in. Before there was GPS, lighthouses allowed sailors to safely sail around Florida’s shallow waters and reefs.  

The oldest lighthouse in Florida was the original St. Augustine lighthouse, which was built in 1824. However, the original structure was dismantled, and the St. Augustine lighthouse that you can see today (and that you will find at the top of our list) was constructed 50 years later. 

9 Historic Lighthouses in Florida You Ought to Visit

The majority of the other lighthouses on our list were also constructed in the 19th century, giving them over 100 years of rich history. Whether you’re drawn to the story of the lighthouse or the views, these 9 destinations each offer a unique and enriching visit. 

1. St. Augustine

As we mentioned, the original St. Augustine Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be constructed in Florida (in 1824), before Florida was even a state! However, the original lighthouse was doomed to sink into the Atlantic Ocean due to erosion, so a new one was constructed to replace it. The lighthouse that you can visit today opened in 1874 and is coming up on its 150th anniversary.

At the St. Augustine Lighthouse, you can also find the Maritime Museum. The lighthouse and museum aim to preserve maritime history and tell the story of the nation’s oldest port. The lighthouse and museum are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, with adult tickets priced at $14.95 and senior’s (60+) and children’s (under 12) at $12.95. Aside from climbing the lighthouse tower, visitors can find fun activities for the whole family, such as a shipyard play area for the little ones and even lighthouse ghost tours for the thrill-seekers of the bunch. 

If you’re in St. Augustine visiting the lighthouse, you can’t miss the city’s other historic landmarks. We recommend checking out the Castillo de San Marcos Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. St. Augustine also boasts beautiful beaches, like St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach on Anastasia Island. 

2. Ponce Inlet

Aside from St. Augustine, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is one of the most famous lighthouses in Florida. You will find this gem at Ponce de León Inlet in Central Florida. At 175 feet high, this lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and one of the tallest in the United States! You can climb its 203 steps to the top to get spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the museum offers a look into the history of lighthouses and their keepers. The lighthouse and museum are open seven days a week, all year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Adult (12+) tickets are priced at $6.95 and children’s (3-11) are $1.95. 

Aside from the incredible views you’ll get from the top of this impressive structure, Ponce de León Inlet offers plenty of other interesting activities. Surrounding the lighthouse you’ll find Ponce Inlet Park, with wide open beaches, jogging and biking paths, and a conveniently-located parking area. Or head to the Marine Science Center to see turtles, sting rays, and a variety of the surrounding area’s rich marine life. 

3. Gasparilla Island Lighthouse

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse is located in Gasparilla Island State Park, which forms part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. This island houses the 105-foot-tall lighthouse, which was originally constructed in 1881 and began its service in Delaware. In 1927, the lighthouse was dismantled and reconstructed on Gasparilla Island. The lighthouse is open for regular day climbs, and tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children (6-11). By climbing to the top, you’ll get an incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico and the Gasparilla Sound.

Also located on Gasparilla Island is the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum. This lighthouse has been serving as a guiding light to sailors since 1890, and during WWII, the lighthouse was even used to watch for German U-boats. The museum highlights the rich history of Gasparilla Island, dating all the way back to 12,000 B.C. Entrance to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum is free with admission to the park.

4. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Located on the north side of the Jupiter Inlet, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a must-see if you find yourself in the Jupiter area. This 108-foot structure was first lit in 1860, and to this day the lighthouse remains an active public Aid to Navigation. You can visit the lighthouse and museum from Wednesday to Sunday, though the facilities are closed on most major holidays. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+), and $6 for children (6-18). 

Can climb the 105 steps to the top of the red brick lighthouse for the best view in Palm Beach County. Or consider attending a special event, like a sunset or moonrise tour, or even twilight yoga on the lighthouse deck. Plus, kids will enjoy the lighthouse storytime events, which are held monthly. 

Once you get done with your visit to one of the most popular lighthouses in Florida, there are plenty of other things to do in Jupiter. Catch a sunrise at picturesque Juno Beach, check out the turtle’s nests at Hobe Sound Natural Wildlife Refuge, or explore the 73 acres of natural Florida landscapes at Blowing Rocks Preserve. 

5. Pensacola Lighthouse

Pensacola houses another Florida lighthouse that offers a spectacular sight from the top. You can climb the 177 steps up the historic Pensacola Lighthouse for impressive Gulf Coast views. This lighthouse was built in 1859 and is located at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. 

At the lighthouse, you will also find the Maritime Museum, with exhibits like the “History of Illumination”, “Industries of Pensacola”, “Women Who Lit the Way”, and more. The lighthouse and museum are open seven days a week (closed on major holidays), and tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children (12 and under), seniors (60+), and military members.

While you’re in the area, you can check out the National Naval Aviation Museum right next door. Nature-lovers should consider heading over to the Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, where you can find almost 100 types of rare plants and animals. 

6. Key West Lighthouse

The original Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825, but the one you will find today opened in 1848. In fact, its first keeper was a woman! You will find the historic lighthouse and museum in Bahama Village on Key West. This landmark is a must-see if you are in the area, and be sure to climb the 88 steps up to the top of the lighthouse for the best views in Key West. 

The museum highlights the lives of the various keepers that have served the lighthouse, and includes a visit to the keeper’s quarters. You can visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, and tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for senior/local/college ID/retired military, $8 for youth (8-17) and free for children 7 and under. 

Aside from the Key West Lighthouse and Museum, other suggested Key West activities include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

7. Cape Florida Lighthouse

At almost 200 years old, the Cape Florida Lighthouse is the oldest structure in all of Miami-Dade county. You will find the lighthouse on Cape Florida, at the southeast corner of Key Biscayne. The structure was built in 1825, and the historical lighthouse has even been added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Visiting lighthouses in Florida is usually free and Cape Florida is no exception! Entry to the park is at no cost and you can climb the 109 steps to the top of the structure to get the best views of Key Biscayne. The lighthouse is open five days a week (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) and can be climbed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. And while you’re in Key Biscayne, head to Crandon Park, where you can rent sea kayaks, go snorkeling, or sign up for a sunset boat cruise. 

8. Cape St. George Lighthouse

In the center of Little St. George Island you will find the St. George Lighthouse. Though it is not the island’s original lighthouse, the structure that you can visit today was built in 1852. The lighthouse stood tall for over 150 years, weathering storms and erosion, but in 2005, it collapsed into the Gulf. The structure was rescued, rebuilt, and reopened to the public in 2008. In 2011, a replica of the original keeper’s quarters was opened, which serves as the lighthouse museum and gift shop. 

Believe it or not, the 72-foot-high lighthouse is the tallest structure on the island. You can climb the 92 wooden steps to the top of the lighthouse for views of Apalachicola Bay, the St. George Sound, and the 4-mile-long St. George Island Bridge. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children (6-12) and U.S. military/veterans, and free for children under 6. The lighthouse is open six days a week (closed Thursdays).

Once you’ve visited the lighthouse, there are plenty of other great activities on St. George Island. You can’t miss the breathtaking untouched beaches at St. George State Park, or if the weather’s nice, head out on the water: you can charter a fishing boat, rent kayaks, or go on a dolphin tour. 

9. Crooked River Lighthouse

Located in the town of Carrabelle in the Florida Panhandle, the Crooked River Lighthouse was built where it currently stands at the end of the 19th century, though the structure that you can visit today was refurbished in 2007. You can climb 128 steps up the 103-foot tower for sweeping views of the St. George Sound.Weather permitting, the tower is open for climbs Wednesday through Sunday, and the cost is $5 for adults (13+), $3 for youth (7-12), and free for children 6 and under. 

You can also visit the Keeper’s House Museum and the lighthouse’s public park (equipped with a picnic and recreation area) free of charge. The museum includes exhibits highlighting historic lighthouse artifacts. While you’re in Carrabelle, soak up the sun on the area’s miles of pristine white sugar sand beaches. 

Have You Visited Any of These Lighthouses in Florida?

As you can see, the Sunshine State isn’t just about beaches, theme parks, and water sports. These 9 historic lighthouses in Florida offer a different activity that both adults and kids can enjoy. So put on your comfy climbing shoes and make your way to the top of these remarkable structures for some breathtaking Florida views! 

The post Historic Lighthouses in Florida – 9 You Can Climb for Incredible Views! appeared first on That Florida Life.