Last Updated on March 21, 2023
The next time you’re near Rollins College in Winter Park, be sure to take the free Mister Rogers Walking Tour.
Everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred McFeely Rogers, also known as the children’s TV host “Mr. Rogers,” graduated with distinction from Rollins College in 1951.
Mister Rogers Walking Tour at Rollins College
There are five stops on the self-guided Mister Rogers Walking Tour at Rollins College, where visitors can experience exclusive Mister Rogers memorabilia and artwork.
1. Olin Library
A rare collection of books, handwritten letters, photographs, a sweater knitted by Fred Rogers’ mother and worn on his show.
There’s also a pair of his famous sneakers on display in the Olin Library lobby to the left of the main desk, just after you enter.
2. Life is for Service Plaque
The “Life is for Service” plaque that inspired Fred Rogers as a student is engraved in marble near Strong Hall.
He carried a photo of the engraving in his wallet for the rest of his life.
3. Rollins College Walk of Fame
A stone placed in Rogers’ honor in March 1991 can be found in front of Lyman Hall, his old residence hall.
Visitors are encouraged to find it among the other internationally known honorees (Hint: it’s between Beethoven and Edith Wharton).
The stone is from his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
4. Tiedtke Concert Hall and Virginia S. and W.W. Nelson Department of Music
A large portrait painted by local artist Don Sondag hangs proudly in the Fred Rogers Lobby. Here he is wearing his red sweater and putting on his sneakers.
NOTE: Please enter quietly, as classes are often in session.
5. “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” Sculpture
Created by renowned British Sculptor Paul Day, this much-anticipated 360-degree outdoor sculpture stands over 7 feet tall and weighs over 3,000 pounds.
It’s located at the Chapel Garden between the Annie Russell Theatre and Knowles Memorial Chapel.
Bonus Stop
While in Winter Park, don’t miss these other wonderful things to do: Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Winter Park.
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