On our travels through the Everglades National Park, almost by accident we came across the Miccosukee Indian Village which is located on the Tamiami Trail (US90) about an hour west from the bright lights of the cosmopolitan city of Miami.
We really had no intention of stopping here but curiosity got the better of us and I suppose, to be honest, the family were due some refreshment.
Being set on the swampy grasslands many of the Indian dwellings are constructed on wooden stilts with access between buildings being made by way of raised boardwalks. The original design was fairly rudimentary with few modern conveniences and only a thatched roof for shelter. However, commercial influences have, to some extent, taken over and the Indian community has realised that there is a dollar or two to be made out of tourism.
At the village there are several attractions to be sampled, which provide just about something for everyone.
For those interested in history, the on site museum houses photographs and artefacts from influential tribal elders and gives an excellent insight into the culture and diversity of the tribe.
The more practical pursuits of basket weaving, bead making and quilting are undertaken by the Miccosukee women who will gladly answer any questions you may care to ask of them. Much of this art and craft work is available to buy in the obligatory gift shop.
Airboat rides are available along what is affectionately called the ‘River of Grass’ and actually stops at an authentic Miccosukee Camp deep in the Everglades. During your trip you are likely to come across alligators and other wildlife in their natural environment.
Although not sure just how sensible this is, local tribesmen are keen to display their skills in an alligator pit. The demonstrations with these snappers might look very impressive but it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
I mentioned at the beginning of this piece that the family were in need of some refreshment and the on site restaurant not only serves the expected ‘fast food’ varieties but also offers some authentic cuisine in the form of toasted breads and tacos which can be heartily recommended by the writer.
The Miccosukee Indian Village is definitely a departure from most other tourist attractions you are likely to come across, but it presents an interesting insight into early Floridian history and is certainly well worth a couple of hours of your time if you are in the area.
We really had no intention of stopping here but curiosity got the better of us and I suppose, to be honest, the family were due some refreshment.
Being set on the swampy grasslands many of the Indian dwellings are constructed on wooden stilts with access between buildings being made by way of raised boardwalks. The original design was fairly rudimentary with few modern conveniences and only a thatched roof for shelter. However, commercial influences have, to some extent, taken over and the Indian community has realised that there is a dollar or two to be made out of tourism.
At the village there are several attractions to be sampled, which provide just about something for everyone.
For those interested in history, the on site museum houses photographs and artefacts from influential tribal elders and gives an excellent insight into the culture and diversity of the tribe.
The more practical pursuits of basket weaving, bead making and quilting are undertaken by the Miccosukee women who will gladly answer any questions you may care to ask of them. Much of this art and craft work is available to buy in the obligatory gift shop.
Airboat rides are available along what is affectionately called the ‘River of Grass’ and actually stops at an authentic Miccosukee Camp deep in the Everglades. During your trip you are likely to come across alligators and other wildlife in their natural environment.
Although not sure just how sensible this is, local tribesmen are keen to display their skills in an alligator pit. The demonstrations with these snappers might look very impressive but it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
I mentioned at the beginning of this piece that the family were in need of some refreshment and the on site restaurant not only serves the expected ‘fast food’ varieties but also offers some authentic cuisine in the form of toasted breads and tacos which can be heartily recommended by the writer.
The Miccosukee Indian Village is definitely a departure from most other tourist attractions you are likely to come across, but it presents an interesting insight into early Floridian history and is certainly well worth a couple of hours of your time if you are in the area.