Lake Toho lighthouse
1 / 10

Monument of States Kissimmee Florida

4.6
·271 reviews·Kissimmee, United States

A 1943 pyramid monument built with stones from all 50 U.S. states, symbolizing unity and a piece of old Florida charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and great light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lake Toho lighthouse

Monument of States Kissimmee Florida

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful and great light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1943 pyramid monument built with stones from all 50 U.S. states, symbolizing unity and a piece of old Florida charm.

4.6
(271 reviews)

"A nice monument, but not much of a wow factor. Interesting that all states of the USA contributed rocks from their state."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free & Always Open

This historic site is accessible 24/7 and completely free to visit! :moneywithwings:

Stretch Your Legs

A great spot to take a break and stretch your legs during a road trip. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pyramid of Unity

The Pyramid of Unity

Main Monument

A towering pyramid adorned with stones from all 50 U.S. states, symbolizing national unity.

Whispers of History

Whispers of History

Embedded Stones

Examine authentic stones and artifacts from across the nation, each with its own story.

American Eagle Topper

American Eagle Topper

Top of the Monument

Look up to see the majestic American eagle and flag crowning this historic landmark.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse of Old Florida Charm

Discover a unique piece of American history at the Monument of States. Built as a symbol of unity after Pearl Harbor, this pyramid-shaped structure features stones from all 50 states. It's a free, 24-hour attraction perfect for a quick, quirky stop.

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While the Monument of States is open 24/7, visiting during daylight hours allows you to best appreciate the embedded stones and surrounding park. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a peaceful experience away from potential midday crowds.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful and great light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍊a Kissimmee Landmark, 50 years strong! #kissimmeefl #floridahistory #centralflorida #orlandoflorida #disneyfoodie #thingstodoinorlando #kissimmee #orlandofoodie #orlandoinfluencer #CapCut
@holographicmami
1.2K likes • 38.7K views

Free & Always Open

This historic site is accessible 24/7 and completely free to visit! :moneywithwings:

Stretch Your Legs

A great spot to take a break and stretch your legs during a road trip. :athletic_shoe:

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, The Monument of States, was the brainchild of Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis to demonstrate American unity after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and bring a tourist attraction to the area. He wrote letters to every governor and the U.S. president asking for rocks and fossils. Then he had a 50-foot tower constructed representing all 48-states(all we had in 1943). Lat...
rvbettertogether
3 likes • 50 views
In 1966 the Walt Disney Studios donated a mineral to The Monument Of States in Kissimmee Florida pre-dating the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971. #TheMonumentOfStates #Kissimmee #KissimmeeFL #KissimmeeFlorida #WDW #WaltDisneyWorld #WaltDisneyStudios #WaltDisney #Disney #DisneyHistory #HiddenDisney #DisneySecret #DisneySecrets #MonumentOfStates #TravelPhotography #RoadsideAttraction #RoadsideA...
retroreststop
17 likes • 341 views

Quirky Florida History

Embrace the unique charm of this old Florida tourist attraction. :sparkles:

Nearby Park & Library

Enjoy the adjacent park, benches, and library for a more relaxed visit. :park:

“Walt Disney Studios contributed a blob of unidentified mineral in 1966.” “The Monument of States was conceived as a symbol of American unity after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and is located at 300 E. Monument Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida. It was built by volunteers, with donations of stone that came from around the world, including a rock from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Find more details...
danie.grimes1003
14 likes • 401 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free & Always Open

This historic site is accessible 24/7 and completely free to visit! :moneywithwings:

Stretch Your Legs

A great spot to take a break and stretch your legs during a road trip. :athletic_shoe:

Quirky Florida History

Embrace the unique charm of this old Florida tourist attraction. :sparkles:

Nearby Park & Library

Enjoy the adjacent park, benches, and library for a more relaxed visit. :park:

A Disney Connection

Did you know Walt Disney Studios donated a mineral in 1966? :movie_camera:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(271 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Monument of States to be a charming, quirky piece of old Florida history, appreciated for its free admission and unique concept of stones from all 50 states. While some note it lacks a major 'wow' factor, its historical significance and peaceful park setting make it a worthwhile, quick stop for those seeking local flavor and Americana.

"The Monument of States is a 1940's tribute to all U.S. states and several foreign countries. There are dozens of authentic stones and artifacts from each place embedded on the sides. Park your car nearby and check it out. It's a piece of old Florida tourist history. Recommended."

M

"A nice monument, but not much of a wow factor. Interestong that all states of the USA contributed rocks from their state, other than that not much to it."

Esther Meijer

"I love quirky historical sites, and this is a cool one. The Monument of States is a huge step-pyramid with an American eagle and a flag at the top. It’s a nice setting, with benches and shady trees, parks and a library nearby.
The monument itself looks like it weighs a ton, and it does 😆. According to Wikipedia “an estimated 100,000 pounds and reinforced with 3 ½ tons of steel rails.”
It was built after the Pearl Harbor attack, and restored in 1993 (with a time capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2043) and designated a National Historic Monument in 2015.
It’s open 24hrs, a great place to stretch your legs, it’s free and accessible."

Tatiana Hoover

What People Like

Free admission
Unique historical concept
Symbol of American unity

What People Dislike

Lacks major 'wow' factor

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monument of States is located at 300 E. Monument Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is free nearby. Reddit

Yes, free parking is available near the monument, making it a convenient stop. Reddit

Absolutely! The monument is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit anytime. Reddit

The monument grounds are generally accessible, allowing visitors to view it from the surrounding park areas. Specific accessibility details may vary. Reddit

Using GPS with the address 300 E. Monument Avenue, Kissimmee, FL, will guide you directly to the monument. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Monument of States is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction. Reddit

The Monument of States is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reddit

No advance booking is required as entry is free and it's an open-air monument. Reddit

There is no entrance fee; the Monument of States is a free public attraction. Reddit

Yes, as it's open 24/7, you can visit the Monument of States on any holiday. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the pyramid structure from different angles, focusing on the unique embedded stones. The surrounding park also offers nice framing opportunities. TikTok

The monument itself is an outdoor structure, so you can freely take photos of its exterior and the embedded stones. TikTok

Absolutely! The Monument of States offers a quirky and historical backdrop perfect for unique Instagram shots. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography, offering softer shadows and a warm glow. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the site and any local regulations. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

Conceived as a symbol of American unity after the Pearl Harbor attack, it was built with stones donated from all 50 states and several foreign countries. InstagramReddit

The Monument of States was constructed in 1943. TikTok

Each stone represents a contribution from a U.S. state, symbolizing national unity and shared heritage. InstagramReddit

Yes, it was designated a National Historic Monument in 2015 and is a piece of old Florida tourist history. Reddit

A time capsule was placed during its restoration in 1993 and is scheduled to be opened in 2043. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Monument of States offers a quick, free, and educational stop for families. Kids can enjoy spotting different stones and imagining where they came from, making it a fun way to learn about U.S. geography and history. Reddit The open space around the monument is great for letting children stretch their legs. Consider bringing a small notebook for them to sketch their favorite stones or write down facts. Reddit

While it's not an amusement park, its unique pyramid shape and historical context can spark curiosity. It's a good addition to a day of exploring Kissimmee, especially when paired with a visit to the nearby library or park. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

For those on a road trip through Central Florida, the Monument of States is an ideal quick stop. It's easily accessible from major routes and offers a chance to break up a long drive with a dose of quirky history. Reddit The free admission and 24-hour access make it incredibly convenient for any schedule. Reddit

It’s a perfect spot for a brief exploration, allowing you to stretch your legs, take some photos, and learn a bit about American unity without committing a large chunk of your day. Pair it with a picnic in the nearby park for a budget-friendly and enjoyable break. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Monument of States as a tangible link to post-Pearl Harbor American sentiment and early Florida tourism. Reddit Its unique pyramid design and the collection of stones from across the nation offer a fascinating study in symbolic architecture and civic pride. InstagramReddit

For architecture lovers, the construction methods and the sheer weight of the monument (estimated 100,000 pounds with 3 ½ tons of steel rails) are noteworthy. Reddit The fact that it was built by volunteers and has been preserved as a National Historic Monument adds to its appeal. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Symbolism of Stones

The Monument of States is more than just a pile of rocks; it's a testament to American unity. Conceived by Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the pyramid was built to symbolize solidarity across the nation. Instagram Each of the thousands of stones embedded in its structure was a donation from one of the 50 U.S. states, and some even from foreign countries, representing a collective effort and shared identity. Reddit

This unique landmark stands as a physical representation of a nation coming together during a time of crisis. It's a fascinating piece of history that invites visitors to reflect on the diverse origins that form the fabric of America. The monument's construction involved volunteers and a significant amount of material, weighing an estimated 100,000 pounds and reinforced with 3 ½ tons of steel rails. Reddit

Beyond its historical significance, the Monument of States also holds a connection to entertainment history. Notably, the Walt Disney Studios donated a mineral to the monument in 1966, predating the opening of Walt Disney World by five years. Instagram This adds another layer to its story, linking it to the broader cultural landscape of Florida. Instagram

A Piece of Old Florida Tourism

The Monument of States embodies the spirit of early Florida roadside attractions. Built in 1943, it was designed to draw visitors and celebrate American heritage. TikTok In an era before massive theme parks dominated the landscape, quirky landmarks like this were the stars of the show, offering unique experiences for travelers exploring the Sunshine State. Reddit

Its pyramid shape, topped with an American eagle and flag, makes it visually striking and memorable. The surrounding park area, with benches and shady trees, provides a pleasant spot to pause and appreciate this piece of history. Reddit It’s a reminder of a simpler time in tourism, where roadside marvels captured the imagination and offered a glimpse into local culture and national pride. Reddit

Even today, it remains a free and accessible attraction, offering a quick but meaningful stop for those interested in history and unique Americana. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of these vintage tourist spots that continue to charm visitors. Reddit

You may also like