Things to Do in Historic Fort Lauderdale
Where Fort Lauderdale began, on a bend of the New River.
See top-rated activities »About historic Fort Lauderdale
Modern Fort Lauderdale grew up quickly, so the handful of buildings that survive from its pioneer years are worth seeking out. Most of them are on the New River within a short walk of each other. The town took its name from a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s, but real settlement came only after the Florida East Coast Railway arrived in the 1890s and the city incorporated in 1911.
The most important survivor is the Stranahan House, built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, who ran a trading post on the river where Seminole families came to trade. Over the years the building served as a store, post office and town hall before becoming the home of Frank and his wife, Ivy, a teacher and civic leader who worked for the welfare of the Seminole community. It is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and is open for guided and self-paced tours.
Upstream, History Fort Lauderdale runs a small campus in the old town. Its museum is in the New River Inn, a hotel built in 1905 from hollow concrete blocks cast on site, and the grounds include pioneer houses and a schoolhouse museum. Artists also rent studios in the inn. The Riverwalk connects the two sites, so a morning here pairs easily with lunch in the arts district or on Las Olas. Walking food tours and a self-guided audio tour of the Riverwalk add stories about the people who built the city.
The historic sites are small, so check opening days before you go; both museums keep limited schedules and close for private events. Wear comfortable shoes, since the best way to link them is on foot along the river. Look out for the old drawbridges and the boats waiting for them, a reminder that the river was the town's main street long before Las Olas Boulevard was paved.
Don’t Miss
The 1901 trading post and home of Frank and Ivy Stranahan, the oldest surviving structure in Broward County, with docent-led tours.
The city's history museum in the 1905 New River Inn, with pioneer houses and a schoolhouse museum on the same grounds.
The riverside path links the historic sites with the arts district and Las Olas, with views of the drawbridges and boat traffic.
A few blocks east, the 1936 hotel is one of the oldest operating hotels in the city and still faces the boulevard.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in historic Fort Lauderdale
Viator
Viator
ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Las Olas & Riverwalk may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »historic Fort Lauderdale — FAQ
Can you tour the Stranahan House?
Yes. The house is a museum with guided tours led by docents and a self-paced option. Availability changes with school groups and private events, so book ahead on the museum's website.
How much time do I need for historic Fort Lauderdale?
Two to three hours covers the Stranahan House, the History Fort Lauderdale campus and a walk along the Riverwalk between them. Add lunch nearby and it makes an easy half day.
More of Las Olas and the Riverwalk
