Visit Rollins College and See a Statue of Mister Rogers

It’s a beautiful Day in the Neighborhood! The Mister Rogers Statue in Winter Park, Florida wasn’t on our original itinerary. However, Fred Rogers is a hero of mine so when I heard there was a statue of everyone’s favorite neighbor, I added Winter Park to our Florida itinerary.

Fred Rogers Rogers graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL in 1951 with a degree in Music Composition. Seventy years later, in 2021 a statue called “Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” was created to honor his legacy. The front of the statue shows him interacting with a group of children, using his iconic Daniel Tiger puppet.

The back side of the statue features the castle from the Neighborhood of Make Believe with all the puppet characters. King Friday XIII and Lady Elaine to X the Owl. Even the famous trolley is featured!

Why I Wanted to Visit the Mister Rogers Statue

The message he spoke into my life everyday growing up was a fundamental message everyone needs to hear. “I like you just the way you are…There’s no one in the whole world like you.” It’s an incredibly simple yet powerfully important phrase that had a tremendous impact on my self esteem. What a difference he made in so many lives! His legacy is likely more impactful than we’ll ever know!

The impact of his message of kindness, acceptance and self-esteem is sorely lacking today. The world desperately needs more people like Fred Rogers.

How do You Find the Statue?

Rollins College is located at 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL. Once you arrive, drive to the Knowles Memorial Chapel. The statue is to the left of the chapel. Near the rose garden, you will see the statue through the center arch. The statue is located past the archway in a quiet courtyard.