The largest of six reservations owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Big Cypress Reservation allows visitors to experience Seminole culture with an on-site art gallery, a reconstructed village, and a research center that preserves artifacts. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum’s film, “We Seminoles,” tells the Seminole story in their own words and chronicles their struggle to remain in Florida. The museum also contains interactive displays and a gift shop.
Nearby lodging is a few miles away at the Big Cypress RV Resort, which includes cabins and tent sites.
Check the schedule for arts celebrations and other special events.
Be on the lookout for many species of birds, as well as wildlife such as bison, water buffalo, ostriches, and even zebras.
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation is located in Clewiston, not far from Fort Lauderdale. To get there, take I-75 to Exit 49 and continue for about 17 miles (27 kilometers) to the reservation. The museum on the reservation consists of three buildings, 5,000 square feet (465 square meters) of exhibition space, and a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) nature trail through a cypress dome.
From late November through early April is the best time to visit, because the weather is cooler and drier, but expect to encounter the biggest crowds then. Weekends are also typically busier.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is among the 574 American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities recognized by the US government, but they are the only federally recognized tribe to have never surrendered or signed a peace treaty. Instead, they retreated into the Everglades to try to avoid being forced to move to Oklahoma. The Seminoles continue traditions such as sewing, patchwork, chickee (house) building, and alligator wrestling.