Last Updated on February 15, 2024
The Sunshine State is full of rich history and Native American Museums in Florida help preserve it. Native Americans were the very first people of our nation. We want to celebrate their heritage and importance to our past, present, and future.
Florida Native American Museums
Read on to see where you can learn more about the history of these incredible tribes.
Table of contents
- Florida Native American Museums
- Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Clewiston
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
- Hillsborough River State Park, Tampa
- Indian Temple Mound Museum, Fort Walton Beach
- Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee
- Miccosukee Indian Village, Miami
- Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
- Randell Research Center, Pineland
- Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center – St. Petersburg
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Clewiston
In the Seminole language, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki means a place to learn, a place to remember. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Clewiston invites you to come to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
You can learn about Florida’s exciting living history and culture. Their mission is to celebrate, preserve, and interpret Seminole culture and history.
This museum is located within the Everglades at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki contains over 180,000 unique artifacts and archival items. Visit and learn more about the Seminole people.
You learn about their historical ties to the state. You can also see how they’ve made the Big Cypress area their home.
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Address: 34725 West Boundary Road, Clewiston, FL 33440
Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
Located in Crystal River, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a National Historic Landmark. This park is 61 acres and contains burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden.
This location was one of the longest-occupied sites in the history of Florida. For 1,600 years the Crystal River Archaeological State Park was a ceremonial center for the Native Americans who lived there.
Others also traveled long distances to bury their own dead and conduct trade with the people of the area. More than likely, over 7,000 Native Americans may have visited every year.
Not only is the park an archaeological site but it also is located near a coastal marsh. There are salt and freshwater fish, as well as a variety of bird species that a bird-watcher will love.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park Address: 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Crystal River!
Hillsborough River State Park, Tampa
Located near downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park is a stark difference from the city life that is so close by. The park has seven miles of nature trails as well as water to cool off in.
There used to be cannons and guns at the park. They are now silent except for the few reenactments at Fort Foster. You can see the reconstructed fort as part of the Hillsborough River State Park.
You can also kayak or canoe across the rapids, which are class II river rapids. Don’t miss out on the seven miles of nature trails or the ADA-accessible swimming pool!
Hillsborough River State Park Address: 15402 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Indian Temple Mound Museum, Fort Walton Beach
The Indian Temple Mound Museum has been open since 1972 and is located in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach.
This Native American Museum in Florida has 12,000 years’ worth of Native American interpretive exhibits. They have over 1,000 artifacts of bone, clay, and shell.
There is also an extensive prehistoric ceramic collection.
It’s one of the finest in the Southeastern United States. Some of the exhibits also include artifacts from pirates, settlers, and European explorers.
Indian Temple Mound Museum Address: 139 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee
The Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park in Tallahassee has two trails to see in the area. They contain six of seven earthen temple mounds.
These trails give you a chance to hike while learning more about the area’s history. You can even pass part of Florida’s Territorial Period and early statehood.
One of the trails is a nature trail that is located in a sandhill community with many native trees and plants. You can also take a guided tour upon request.
If you like wildlife or bird watching, this is the park for you!
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park Address: 3600 Indian Mound Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Tallahassee.
Miccosukee Indian Village, Miami
The Miccosukee Indian Village lets you take a look into the tribe’s way of life of the past. You can see what their culture was like through historical documents, archival photographs, and original artifacts.
There is a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits teaching you about the tribe adapting to the Everglades. It will also share the history and contemporary teachings of Native Americans, First Nations, and Aborigines.
Make sure not to miss the Miccosukee Indian Village’s alligator show! Don’t expect them to wrestle the gators – they love them and hope you’ll learn about them during a demonstration.
A brave demonstrator will explain historical traditions and rituals that have been handed down by the Miccosukee people.
Miccosukee Indian Village Address: US Hwy 41 Mile Marker 36, Tamiami Trail, Tamiami, FL 33194
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Miami!
Mound Key Archaeological State Park, Estero
Next on our list of Native American museums in Florida is Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Mound Key Archaeological State Park is surrounded by mangrove trees and shell mounds of Native American tribes.
The Calusa people, Prehistoric Native Americans were non-agricultural hunting tribes. They were located in the waters of Southwest Florida for over 2,000 years.
Researchers believe that Mound Key was the ceremonial center for the Calusa Indians. This was during the time that the Spaniards attempted to colonize Florida.
The park is located in Estero Bay. Visitors typically will launch their boats from Koreshan State Park or Lovers Key State Park. Keep in mind that there are no facilities on the island as well.
Mound Key Archaeological State Park Address: Estero, FL 33928
Randell Research Center, Pineland
The Randell Research Center (RRC) of the Florida Museum of Natural History is located on the west side of Pineland. The 67 acres include an archaeological site and a large shell mound site.
It stretches across more than 100 acres from the mangrove coastline.
In the past, the Calusa Indians were the most powerful people in South Florida! They not only created huge shell mounds, but they also engineered canals.
These sustained their people from the fish and shellfish of the area. All that is left today of their culture are a few shell mound sites.
They can be found between Charlotte Harbor and the Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades.
Randell Research Center Address: 13810 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia, FL 33922
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center – St. Petersburg
Last on our list of Native American Museums and Parks in Florida is Weedon Island Preserve. Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190-acre natural area located in Tampa Bay.
The area is home to aquatic and upland ecosystems. You can also see plenty of plant and animal species in the area! Don’t miss the educational facility in the area to learn even more!
This educational facility is the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. The center teaches visitors more about the environment through interpretive hikes, workshops, exhibits, and more.
The gift shop also contains numerous cultural and natural history items for purchase.
The center was designed with the help of the Native American people to keep the traditions of their tribes alive. For example, the center of the preserve follows the cardinal points of the compass.
A curved wall also is a nod to the pottery of the early Weedon Island people.
Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center Address: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Looking for other historical things to do in Florida? Check out:
- 6 Historic Old Florida Restaurants: Gone But Not Forgotten
- Take a Tour Through Black Owned Businesses and Historic Sites of Orlando
- 5 Historical Facts About Columbia Restaurant
- 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida
- The 20 Best Historic Hotels in Florida
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