By: Kara Franker
Plan your trip to the Miccosukee Indian Village.
Embark on a cultural journey and learn about part of Miami’s unique Native American heritage at the Miccosukee Indian Village. Highlights include craft demonstrations, alligator shows and Everglades airboat tours.
The Miccosukee Indian Village is located at Mile Marker 35, U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), Miami, FL 33194. Located just west of the Shark Valley Visitor Center, you’ll need to rent a car to get there.
Driving Directions: From Downtown Miami, you can take SW 8 Street (Tamiami Trail) all the way out to the village (takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic) or hop on Highway 836 to the Florida Turnpike to Tamiami Trail (takes about an hour).
You’ll pass the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming property (located at 500 S.W. 177th Avenue, Miami, FL 33194) on your way out to the Miccosukee Indian Village. Once you see the resort and casino, then you’ll know you’re approximately 20 minutes away from the village.
Alligator Show
Once you arrive at the Miccosukee Indian Village, there are lots of family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Venture out on a guided tour of the Indian Village or watch a lively alligator show (cost is $12 for adults and $5 for kids). It’s also a great opportunity to check out the Tribe’s chickee huts and see how members create jewelry, intricate beadwork and other handcrafts.
Narrated 30-minute airboat rides stop at an authentic Indian camp and show visitors where the Miccosukees hid after the Seminole Wars and Indian Removal Act of the mid-1800s. There’s also a museum offering a glimpse into the Miccosukee Tribe’s unique way of life. Read more about Miami’s Native American Heritage and the History of the Miccosukee Tribe.
Travel Tip: Mark your calendar for the 10-day Miccosukee Everglades Music and Craft Festival held from the end of December to the beginning of January. Every September, the Miccosukee Tribe celebrates American Indian Day on the fourth Friday of the month.