Events at this location

The Museum of the Everglades is a historic museum dedicated to the human history of Southwest Florida’s Everglades region, spanning over 2,000 years from prehistoric times to modern settlement. It highlights the area’s transformation from a remote “Last Frontier” accessible only by boat to a key hub during the construction of the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. Part of the Collier County Museums system, the museum offers free admission and features permanent exhibits, rotating displays, and local artifacts that tell stories of Native American inhabitants like the Calusa and Seminole peoples, early pioneers, and the impact of developer Barron Gift Collier. It’s housed in a faithfully restored 1927 commercial laundry building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and provides a serene contrast to the busier attractions in nearby Naples. History of the Museum Building Origins: Constructed in 1927 as a laundry for workers building the Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41), which connected Naples to Miami across the Everglades. Everglades City (then called Everglades) served as Collier County’s first seat and a bustling base for Barron Collier’s real estate and development empire, despite starting with fewer than a dozen families. Restoration and Opening: Restored to its 1920s appearance, it opened as a museum in the late 20th century under the Collier County Museums, established in 1978. The site preserves the town’s pioneer spirit, including exhibits on Hurricane Donna’s 1960 impact and the Storter family’s early farming and trading legacy. Exhibits and Highlights Permanent Collections: Explore timelines of indigenous Calusa shell mounds, Seminole settlements, and European arrival. Key features include the Storter Collection (words, pictures, and artifacts from 1880s settler George Storter) and displays on Tamiami Trail construction, pioneer life, and environmental changes. Rotating and Special Exhibits: The Pauline Reeves Gallery showcases local artists. Short historical videos cover Everglades City and Collier County’s development. Visitor Experience: Compact but immersive, with opportunities to picnic on the grounds. It’s praised for bringing artifacts to life through storytelling, making it ideal for history buffs and families. Location and Hours Address: 105 Broadway Ave W, Everglades City, FL 34139 (about 35 miles east of downtown Naples via U.S. 41; roughly 45-60 minutes drive; 100 miles west of Miami). Hours: Typically open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (confirm via website as hours may vary seasonally). Contact: (239) 695-2989 or visit colliermuseums.com for updates. Accessibility: Free parking; wheelchair-friendly; near Everglades National Park for combined visits. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Go: Weekdays to avoid crowds; pair with a trip to the nearby Smallwood Trading Post (a preserved 1880s store) or Gulf Coast Visitor Center for a full day exploring “old Florida.” Nearby Attractions: In Naples (west on Tamiami Trail), check the Naples Depot Museum or Golisano Children’s Museum. For Everglades immersion, add an airboat tour or hike in the national park. Reviews Snapshot: Rated highly on TripAdvisor (4.5/5 stars) for its concise yet engaging presentation of regional history, with visitors noting the “impressive amount of SWFL Everglades history in a small space.” For the latest events or virtual tours, head to the official Collier County Museums site. If you’re planning a trip from Naples, it’s an easy, rewarding escape into Florida’s wild past!