Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

In the Mikauki language of the Seminole Tribe of Native American Indians, "Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki" means "a place to learn." The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is just that, as well as a tribute to the original Floridians, their culture, artifacts, and history. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Everglades within the Big Cypress Reservation, this facility is affiliated with the American Association of Museums, the Smithsonian, and the Florida Association of Museums.

Featured here are exhibits showing how early Seminole Indians lived in the Florida swamps. There are permanent displays for indigenous dances, games, camp life, cooking, boating, hunting, and even a wedding ceremony. In the rotating gallery space, exhibits change every six to twelve months.

One of the highlights of any visit is the museum's film entitled "We Seminoles," which tells of the tribe's dramatic struggle to remain in their Florida home. There are also a number of nature trails for walking through the reservation's 60-acre cypress dome and a mile-long boardwalk with seating areas spaced out ever eighth of a mile or so. A museum store and four restaurants are also available.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is located at 34725 West Boundary Road, Clewiston, Florida 33440. General admission is $9 for adults and $6 for seniors aged 55 and over, students aged 5 to 18, and military personnel. Children under four are admitted free of charge. Museum hours are from 9am to 5pm daily.