Miccosukee Indian Village
Just 30 minutes west of Miami-Dade County, your group will find Miccosukee Indian Village, the premier place in Miami to step into the past and experience how a local tribe lived and continues to exist today in the heart of the Florida Everglades. This "village" actually consists of a museum and features an airboat ride and a space for live alligator demonstrations. Within the village, you will get a tour of the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Miccosukee Indians, with displays and demos including woodcarving, patchwork, beadwork, basket weaving, and even doll making! Inside the renovated Indian Museum you will find tribal artist paintings and photos, as well as historical artifacts and the opportunity to watch a short historical film. The museum itself was first established in 1983, so there is plenty of history to be explored.
If you are craving more of an outdoor adventure head over to the Alligator Encounter, a local demonstration in which a tribal member teaches the art of alligator wrestling live. Your group can also choose to take an airboat tour of the Everglades and see a typical hammock-style Indian camp that has been owned by the same tribal family for over 100 years. There are always various daily activities at the village, as well as the locally loved annual Miccosukee Indian Arts and Crafts festival in late December. When you get hungry head over to the Miccosukee Indian Restaurant and try some famous fry bread, frog legs, or alligator and catfish! The gift shop will offer your group locally made patchwork and beadwork as well as other trinkets such as Navajo silver jewelry!
