There are so many fun ways to discover local Venice history! Here are some great options to explore.
FREE:
Historic Downtown Venice Self-Guided Tour
Online map available HERE
Pick up a printed map at the Centennial Park Information Kiosk at 200 West Venice Avenue
or at the Venice MainStreet Office at 101 West Venice Ave. Suite 23, Venice, FL 34285.
Historic Venice Train Depot
Explore on your own or take a docent-led tour of the historic 1927 Venice Train Depot. Tours are offered by the Venice Area Historical Society (please check website for tour details). Explore the adjacent Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park with its statue of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus animal trainer, Gunther Gebel Williams; a restored caboose, donated by CSX Corporation; and restored Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Train Car (new exhibit in 2023). Located at 303 East Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285.
veniceareahistoricalsociety.org
Kentucky Military Institute display at San Marco Building
Visitors to the historic San Marco on Tampa Avenue can enjoy a display honoring the legacy of the Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) in Venice. Funded by the KMI Alumni Association, in partnership with the Venice Centre Association and its collection, it includes memorabilia, photographs and a documentary on the fascinating history of the military school in Venice from 1933 to 1970.
238 Tampa Avenue West, Venice, FL 34285
Learn more about the San Marco
Lord-Higel House
Constructed in 1896 by Joseph Lord, the Lord-Higel House is the second oldest house in Sarasota County.
409 Granada Ave., Venice, FL 34285
veniceheritage.org
Sarasota County Auto Tours
The Sarasota County Centennial Committee is pleased to announce the release of its auto tours available on a free app. Explore Sarasota County’s notable landmarks and places of interest.
As you travel from place to place we’ll take you back in time. Hear the stories and see the sights that are part of the colorful history of Sarasota County, Florida. Audio narration and travel directions will trigger automatically as you drive (with GPS location services enabled on your phone). Auto Tours include the following: BAYFRONT, BEE RIDGE, COURTHOUSE AREA, DOWNTOWN/5 POINTS, ENGLEWOOD,
FRUITVILLE to MIAKKA, PHILLIPPI, and VAMO to LAUREL.
Narrated history tour download available HERE
Venice Museum & Archives
Located in the historic Triangle Inn listed on National Register of Historic Places. Docent-led tours available.
Current Exhibits:
Woody Thayer: Venice’s Eyes and Ears of the 1950s, February 6, 2023 through January 17, 2024
Historic Homes of Venice: The Work of Artist Patricia Everson, Dec. 5, 2022 through July 26, 2023
351 Nassau Street South, Venice, FL 34285
(941) 486-2487
venicemuseum.org
Venice Quest Scavenger Hunt
Presented by Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. Download free Scavify App at Google Play or AppStore. Hunt themes include:
– History
– Arts & Culture
– Downtown/Venice Beach Walk
– Young at Heart
– Shark Spotting
– Search for Fairy Doors
– Venice Public Library Centennial Quest
venicechamber.com
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NEED TICKETS OR RESERVATIONS:
Sarasota Suncoast Tours/ Key Culinary Tours
Offers Sarasota County area ghost tours, family adventure tours, private group sightseeing trolley or mini bus tours, and food tours. Venice tours include International Wine Walk Tour, Historic Venice Culinary Tour and Shark’s Teeth & More Family Adventure.
keyculinarytours.com
sarasotasuncoasttours.com
Architectural Walking Tours
Offered by Venice Museum & Archives
Seasonal walking tours (typically January through April)
Explore historic neighborhoods and architecture on Venice island led by Architectural Historian, Sebastian Liseo.
venicemuseum.org
Venice Florida Tours
Offers Venice history walking, bicycling, ghost tours, as well as tours by golf cart. Private tours are also available upon request.
venicefltours.com