Stranahan House
Stranahan House
4.5
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 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 daily for guided House tours at 1, 2, and 3pm. We also host special events, weddings, and holiday programs.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Fort Lauderdale
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See what travellers are saying
  • Alice S
    3 contributions
    Fantastic!
    This was an amazing experience and very interesting story behind the house. The tour guide had personal connections with the house which made it even more interesting. He was a good teller and the time went by so fast, I really recommend it!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 December 2022
  • Lara R
    1 contribution
    Inspiring people
    The man who gave us the tour is named John. He is 82 years-old and passionate about the place. So even if we stayed 2 hours it felt like 10 minutes. He personally knew some of the people living in that house at the time so it makes everything even more interesting. I was glad to be there. And I think you’ll miss something if you don’t go.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written 13 December 2022
  • jenztrips
    Plantation, Florida42 contributions
    Wonderful tour by John!
    Our Sunday afternoon tour by John was fantastic. Having been a caretaker of the property for 34 years, and having actually known Ivy Stranahan personally, John was extremely knowledgeable about the house and about Ft. Lauderdale history. We received an extended tour and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The house was decorated beautifully for Christmas at the time, which only added to its beauty. This tour is highly recommended, even for locals like us!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 December 2022
  • John S
    Melbourne, Australia1,886 contributions
    Great history
    We had reserved the 6pm tour but finding the exact location when driving is almost impossible because of nearby road works. We called the location who directed us to a parking garage from where it's about a 5 minute walk. The attraction is well presented with guides alternating in describing the various parts of the house.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 December 2022
  • Carol K
    4 contributions
    Amazing tour and guide!
    While visiting a historic building may not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting a beach town, a visit to the Stranahan House is a great way to learn some local history on how Fort Lauderdale got to be the city it is today. Our tour guide was John and he was amazing. He even knew Ivy Stranahan who lived in the house all those years. John is 83 and is a local historian and seems to be the custodian of the house, caring for it as if it was his own and sharing stories of its past lives. He is also very knowledgeable about Florida history so I learned a lot during the 1.5 hours of the tour. Oh and that reminds me- if you drive and park with a meter, while the website says the tour is an hour, today's tour lasted almost 2 hours as John is very passionate about what he does so plan accordingly! There is construction going on to the east of the house which makes getting to the house a bit of a challenge (enter from Las Olas as you can't get there right now from the Riverwalk although that will change in a few months when the construction is complete). This has also limited the days they are giving tours to check out their website to buy tickets and know which days it is open. The admission price for an Adult under 60 years old is $12, Seniors (Ages 60+) pay $11, Students pay $7, and Members get in for free. Paid parking is available in the Riverside Hotel garage, on the street or in any of the nearby lots. All in all a great way to spend a couple of hours learning about the history of Fort Lauderdale and how it is so much more than the beaches everyone knows it for
    Visited December 2022
    Written 2 January 2023
  • Alicia V
    Pembroke Pines, Florida15 contributions
    Amazing historical gem right on Las Olas and the New River!
    After living in South Florida for over thirty years, my family and decided to visit some historical sites during our winter break. The Stranahan House Museum was a wonderful place to visit, and our awesome tour guide John was very knowledgeable and friendly. It’s wonderful to learn about Ft. Lauderdale’s true pioneer, and his amazing wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. Thank you for an amazing experience John!!
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 January 2023
  • eahernandez513
    Atlanta, Georgia17 contributions
    Lovely way to see Florida history
    We visited the historic home on a Sunday. John was our tour guide and he was a gem. He took his time to really explain the story of this beautiful home. He knew every detail and took so much delight in sharing it with us all. It was a pleasure to meet him and learn this history form him, especially since he’s been involved with this home for so many decades. Would recommend this tour to any local or visitor to the area.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 January 2023
  • Ján Tompkins
    3 contributions
    A must-visit for all Fort Lauderdale visitors thanks to the passion of John Della-Cerra, a Florida treasure!
    A wonderful little gem of Florida history! My visit to the Stranahan House was easily one of the top highlights not only of my one-month trip to Fort Lauderdale but perhaps a top highlight for my past year and it's all thanks to the passion of John Della-Cerra. While the house is a must-visit spot for all visiting the city, it's John that elevates the experience beyond a simple historical tour. One of the most engaging tour guides and storytellers I've ever had the pleasure to engage with. I'm deeply grateful for John's passion and dedication to the Stranahan House and preserving the legacy of Ivy Stranahan, and for sharing that love with us. John's care for the whole property is so evident by seeing how immaculately preserved the home is and how it's presented to the public. So thank you John for everything you do, you are a Florida treasure and you deserve all the praise.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 14 January 2023
  • Sheryl
    1 contribution
    Excellent Tour
    This by far was the highlight of our visit to Ft. Lauderdale. John, was an excellent guide. He made us feel a part of the Stranahan family, understanding their life, struggles, and contributions to the area. His passion and commitment to the Stranahan legacy is what made this tour so great.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 15 January 2023
  • DebM703
    Dayton, Ohio60 contributions
    Do not miss a John Della-Cerra tour at the Stranahan House!
    We were lucky enough to talk the tour guide, John Della-Cerra into letting us join a tour in progress and we were so glad we did! This house has an amazing story and is a true gem in the Las Olas area of Ft. Lauderdale. The 83 year old caretaker and tour guide John entertained and educated us on every aspect of the house’s history and its inhabitants, Frank and Ivy Stranahan. This is a must do stop if you are in the area. Plan on 2 hours for the in-depth tour that John provides with great insight, personal knowledge and humor. Help support this one of a kind property with your visit to the gift shop too! John even paints and sells small wooden race cars to help care for the house.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 February 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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Jack W
London, UK11 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful little find in heart of Fort Lauderdale. Our guide Beverly was so engaging and very knowledgeable. The house was in perfect condition and should not be missed!
Written 9 December 2023
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.

Gail Lyn W
Dyer, IN10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This 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.
Written 25 October 2023
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.

Eva D
Edison, NJ9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very interesting piece of history right in the middle of down town. Our guide was very passionate and we were very happy with the tour. Well worth the time. So convenient to the water taxi!
Written 4 October 2023
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.

sleepy155
Hollywood, FL238 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Very nice home on the New River. The guides were very nice and very knowledgeable. The tour takes just over one hour. Nice to learn about some of the history of Ft. Lauderdale. Nice diversion for families or couples. You need to book online.
Written 5 August 2023
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.

Gaëtane D
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I envoyed a very nice private guided tour with a great guide who gave interesting local historical facts.
Written 27 July 2023
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.

Vanessa F
25 contributions
Jun 2023
A beautiful historic home made of local pine and steeped in a rich cultural history very unique to Fort Lauderdale. Our tour guide was a former teacher and original Fort Lauderdale resident for over 50 years with a direct connection to the former inhabitants. He really knows the city inside and out and you will appreciate having this tour.
It was very memorable, and I will never forget it. I found it meaningful and highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in the history of how Fort Lauderdale was established along with information about various cultural groups here and where everyone came from.
I also think this is a great experience for kids to understand about what old washing machines and refrigerators look like for example.
A great all around experience and yes I would go again.
Written 21 June 2023
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.

CR1TA
Evansville, IN26 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I have been on many historical home tours and I believe this one had the most original furniture and house hold items from the kitchen to the master bedroom! The Stranahan story is a good one!
Written 7 June 2023
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.

Monster M
7 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
What a wonderful piece of history right in our own backyard! The detail to historic accuracy was impeccable. The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was engaging and showed a true passion for the Stranahan house and preserving the history. Very Enjoyable!
Written 3 June 2023
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.

DALE B
1 contribution
May 2023
This is a marvelous historic home that should not be missed. The tour guide was very well informed and just a delight providing generous background information. She knew facts even about the smallest details of the home. We can be so grateful that this historic home was saved and continues to be cared for by a group of loyal individuals. Do yourself a favor if you are of a historic mind and drop by for a visit. On the way out leave a generous donation so the loving care of this property can continue.
Written 15 May 2023
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.

Jenna W
4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This was the most amazing tour I've ever had. John Della-Cerra, the caretaker of the house, is the most knowledgeable tour guide ever. He had an answer for every question and his love for the house and it's history was palpable. The stories he told were interesting and relevant, and we left feeling as though this house and it's history were an old friend. The artifacts within the house were plentiful and fascinating. 10/10 would recommend!
Written 5 April 2023
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.

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Stranahan House (Fort Lauderdale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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