Old Lake County Courthouse, courthouse in Florida, United States
The Old Lake County Courthouse is a five-story government building in neoclassical style located in Tavares, Florida, with prominent doric columns across its brick facade and views toward Lake Dora. The structure features high ceilings and large windows inside, designed by architect Alan J. MacDonough to reflect the classical revival style typical of public buildings from that era.
The first courthouse was built in the late 1880s as a simple two-story frame structure when Tavares became the county seat. The current brick building was constructed in 1923 during Florida's land boom, when regional growth demanded a larger and more substantial courthouse building.
The courthouse has long served as a symbol of community identity in Tavares, representing local pride and continuity. The building embodies the town's respect for its past and remains a gathering point for those interested in understanding how the area developed.
The museum displays on the ground floor are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon and are easily accessible, with an elevator available for visitors with mobility needs. Group visits require advance arrangement by calling 352-343-9890, and free parking is available on nearby streets around West Main Street.
The building sat vacant after the county moved its offices in 1991 and faced demolition until it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This designation triggered major restoration efforts that transformed it into a museum housing artifacts from the region's past, including colorful citrus labels from the early 1900s.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
