I had lived in Florida a long time before I discovered the rich and often tragic history of native Americans here. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, here are seven parks and museums that tell those stories.
Historic
Florida Rambler is always on the lookout for places that capture the Florida that is being lost to expressways and development. We include historic destinations, Florida landmarks and places where the past lives on in big and small ways. Here’s a scene from Micanopy, located right off I-75 near Gainesville.
Seminole Museum, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, makes an excellent Everglades daytrip
The impact of Seminole Indians is everywhere in Florida, but this is THE place to learn about them. This interesting museum in the Everglades is worth the drive. Here are six takeaways from our visit.
Key West home tours offer a peek into island lives
For 66 years, a non-profit devoted to historic preservation has convinced the owners of some of the most interesting homes in Key West to open them to visitors for a good cause. For four winter weekends, you can tour historic homes and support historic preservation.
Along Caloosahatchee River: Kayak trails, rustic scenery & small towns
Between Lake Okeechobee and Fort Myers, a stretch of the Caloosahatchee River offers a taste of Old Florida — small towns, rivers ideal for kayaking and good public campgrounds.
A day exploring the Redland: Agriculture and rustic charm thrive near Miami
The historic agricultural area surrounding the Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park offers so many cool experiences — a park where you can see and sample exotic fruits, a historic village of shops and restaurants, a local tropical-fruit winery. In October there is a big orchid festival too.
Sugar Express: Sweet ride aboard a steam train
Tickets are on sale for rides beginning next week aboard the Sugar Express, a historic steam train sponsored by U.S. Sugar Company.
An island of Old Florida, where Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote ‘The Yearling’
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings came to Cross Creek and wrote the beloved story of a young boy and his pet fawn, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939. Today, visiting the author’s beautifully preserved home is an excellent way to discover the authentic Florida, far from the strip malls and theme parks.
Mount Dora: Eight big weekend festivals plus year-round charm
Mount Dora is a historic town that has figured out how to keep people visiting: Maximize the natural beauty and develop arts and antique festivals. Oct. 25-26 is the very popular craft fair.
Lake Kissimmee State Park: Away from it all and back in time
This large state park offers great hiking and one the best campgrounds in a Florida State Park. It’s in a rural, out-of-the-way part of Central Florida where history comes alive in its 1876 cow camp.
Old Florida in Micanopy: Explore nearby nature & history; enjoy Nov. 1-2 fall festival
Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville, but it feels far away — like a small town in a Florida long gone. Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville. If you like moss-draped live oaks, historic buildings & antique shops, it will charm you.