Stranahan House
Stranahan House
4.5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the City's oldest surviving structure. The story of the Stranahan House is the story of a family, a house, and a city. The Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale's founding father, and his wife Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the area's first school teacher. The house has served as a trading post, post office, community center, town hall and home to the Stranahans. The Stranahan House has stood at the center of Fort Lauderdales growth since it was built and played a significant role in the economic and social life of this community. Open for tours at various times throughout the week. Check our website for availability! We also host special events, weddings, and holiday programs.
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Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
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See what travellers are saying
- Gail Lyn W9 contributionsGret TourThis was my third time at the Stanahan House. Every time it is different, since the tour guides touch on different stories and have their own stories to add. Christmas time is my favorite to go there. They have trees and Christmas decorations throughout. If you are into history, this is a must see.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- Maria HPanama City, Panama13 contributionsHour well spent if you like a bit of Ft. Lauderdale historyIt's a local piece of the history of Ft. Lauderdale. Took the $11.00? Tour and it was just fine. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, small group. Little warm inside but manageable. It was worth the 1 hr spent learning about the beginnings of this charming FL city.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 December 2023
- Jet108304932171 contributionAd elightful surpriseWE just came upon this place by accident when strolling around the Riverside Hotel environs, where we were staying in preparation for boarding a cruise ship. What a treat to find one of Fort Lauderdale's original buildings so near by, so convenient. The guides were extremely enthusiastic and helpful, and we came away feeling that we had learned something about early Fort Lauderdale. The story of Mrs. Stranahan was particularly interesting and inspiring. I'd actually go back another time. and I'd recommend it to others.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
688 reviews
Excellent
498
Very good
136
Average
40
Poor
10
Terrible
4
Julieth G
1 contribution
Oct 2021
As a native Broward county resident & Fort Lauderdale local, I found it to be a treasure, hidden in plain sight.
John, the longterm Groundskeeper of the property (30+years) gave us the tour and he was a wealth of knowledge. The story of the Stranahan's not only represents the city of Ft.Lauderdale but in my opinion, the story of the American dream. A young Frank Stranahan leaving the then "booming metropolis" of Illinois to venture to the swamps of south Florida in search of creating a life where no modern civilization existed. John told us many of the personal stories he has with the history of this small building and how it has changed so much similar to the landscape surrounding it.
I plan on visiting the property during lunch to say Hi to John and maybe get a few more stories from Ft.Lauderdale's past.
The Price is extremely fair and I believe we got much more than we paid for.
I prefer this Museum compared to the bonnet house as it was more intimate and you are able to spend more time indulging in the details of this 120 year old site.
John, the longterm Groundskeeper of the property (30+years) gave us the tour and he was a wealth of knowledge. The story of the Stranahan's not only represents the city of Ft.Lauderdale but in my opinion, the story of the American dream. A young Frank Stranahan leaving the then "booming metropolis" of Illinois to venture to the swamps of south Florida in search of creating a life where no modern civilization existed. John told us many of the personal stories he has with the history of this small building and how it has changed so much similar to the landscape surrounding it.
I plan on visiting the property during lunch to say Hi to John and maybe get a few more stories from Ft.Lauderdale's past.
The Price is extremely fair and I believe we got much more than we paid for.
I prefer this Museum compared to the bonnet house as it was more intimate and you are able to spend more time indulging in the details of this 120 year old site.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
grtflyin
Fort Lauderdale, FL79 contributions
Sept 2021
Excellent one hour guided tour through this historic house. As a full time resident now of Ft Lauderdale it was so interesting and insightful to learn of the origins of the City and its first house. Well worth the time and the boardwalk along the New River with multiple places to eat and watch the water world sail by makes for a great day.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion703402
8 contributions
Jan 2020
This place was terribly hard to find. We enjoyed the tour but it was well past mid January and the Christmas decorations were still up. We were told they hadn't had time to take them down. Each room was so overly decorated for Christmas that it was hard to see the house.
Our guide was nice but was terribly hard to understand and talked way too fast. When asked to slow down, he just talked faster and more indistinct. I think he knew his facts but was hard to catch them. While waiting for our tour, we were talking to the maintenance fellow and he had more interesting things to say and enjoyed our time with him.
Our guide was nice but was terribly hard to understand and talked way too fast. When asked to slow down, he just talked faster and more indistinct. I think he knew his facts but was hard to catch them. While waiting for our tour, we were talking to the maintenance fellow and he had more interesting things to say and enjoyed our time with him.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visit to the Historic Stranahan House Museum. We apologize that your visit was less than perfect and we hope you will visit us again in the future. Each of our tour guides is a volunteer and we work together to make sure they receive the proper training. If you could let me know the day and time you visited, I can share your feedback with our Docent and help train them better for future tours.
Historically, our Victorian Christmas display stays up until the second week of January as we host a big "Holiday Hangover" party at the House usually the first full week of the year. We rely on a limited staff and volunteers to help take this display down over the course of several days without closing to the public or impacting tours. Unfortunately, we found ourselves with some staff illnesses and personal emergencies that made our small team delayed by a week and all our Christmas collection was fully packed away by January 20th.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about your visit and how we can continue to improve in the future. You are welcome to contact me at director@stranahanhouse.org.
Warmest regards,
April Kirk, Executive Director
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna C
Fort Lauderdale, FL7 contributions
Oct 2021
This gem is nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, steps from Las Olas. It's easy to get to, and a great stop for tourists and locals both! I went there expecting to have a nice tour and learn some history. I was really blown away to hear all of the stories and layers of history of this property and the Stranahan family legacy.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, and you won't regret learning about how Fort Lauderdale got its start!
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, and you won't regret learning about how Fort Lauderdale got its start!
Written 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camper741805
2 contributions
Jan 2020
It's the real thing. If you like history at all, you will enjoy this house. Only need an hour.. The narrative was informative. The furnishings and design was unique with paneled walls and old beds and appliances and "Knick knacks".
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen W
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 contribution
Feb 2021 • Couples
The house and grounds have amazing history and John Della-Cerra is a huge, dedicated part of the Stranahan house current history. He cares for this beautiful home/museum as if it were his home, and is so full of life describing the history of the Stranahan's. He actually knew Ivy Stranahan and has so many stories, it was absolutely fascinating. The house is kept in immaculate condition with John's love and hard work. Absolutely beautiful old home, right on the river in downtown Las Olas. Amazing day, thank you John❣️
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann S
Prague, Czech Republic4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
A wonderful home, history and tour! Learning more about the Stranahan family and their pioneering role in creating the city of Ft. Lauderdale was eye opening. As a child growing up in Ft. lauderdale, we often ate at the Pioneer House, which was when part of the Stranahan home was leased to a couple who ran a public restaurant. The restaurant closed in 1979 - we would have been there in the late 50’s/early 60’s. What a joy to rediscover this treasure of a home and the early days of Ft. Lauderdale. Ivy Stranahan’s work in human rights, women’s suffrage and creating the Seminole reservations is amazing. What a woman! What a visionary couple. Don’t miss this tour.
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MSlyTravels
Fort Lauderdale, FL19 contributions
Dec 2019
It's a shame that the city built up so many highrises around this little piece of Broward/Fort Lauderdale history. It's a wonderful place, on the water, with great stories about our local history. Make this a definite go to while you are visiting the area. Especially if it's the holiday season. Also great for families, scouts, students, volunteers, etc.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
387indy
Coral Springs, FL4,391 contributions
Jan 2020
Seminole's were the outlaw Indians that wouldn't go to the reservations, and Frank Stranahan built his house on middle river to trade with them. Its the oldest struture in the area, a museum, they have tours. They have parties, weddings on the grounds.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
Jan 2020
The Stranahan House dating back to early 20 cent stands right on the Riverwalk in Ft. Lauderdale downtown. It's right close to the water taxi station.
We didn''t do the tour, but it was interesting to see that Key West style house amidst the concret/glass high rises.
We didn''t do the tour, but it was interesting to see that Key West style house amidst the concret/glass high rises.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be visiting fort Lauderdale during the first week of May and would like to visit Stranahan house as on previous pre cruise visits I did not have time. I was wondering if I will be able to buy tickets for a house-tour on the spot as my itinerary is such that it is difficult to buy all tickets in advance. Thanks
Written 20 January 2019
We conduct tours at 1, 2, and 3 pm almost every day. It is best to call the day before or the morning that you want to visit to confirm tour times. We do not sell tickets in advance and ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes in advance of your chosen tour times to purchase tickets. Please be advised that we will be closed on Memorial Day.
Thank you for your interest in the Historic Stranahan House Museum. We look forward to seeing you!
Written 24 January 2019
We are no longer offering ghost tours!
Written 7 June 2023
Ghost Tour verses the regular day tour? Going next month.
Written 5 July 2017
I'm sorry, I did not go on the ghost tour. The guide we had said he ran those tours though and he really had a love of the
Stranahan house.
Written 6 July 2017
There is a small parking lot on-site for tour guests to park in. Sometimes we have events that use that space for set-up so parking is sent off-site to nearby garages or on-street parking. The Riverside Hotel is the best option - it is right next door and you can pay for hourly parking.
It is best to call before your visit to confirm parking availability. Our office number is 954-524-4736.
Thank you!
April Kirk, Executive Director
Historic Stranahan House Museum
Written 16 March 2017
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