Marco Island Historical Museum

When looking up where is Marco Island, you might want to find something to do in Marco Island for the history lover. You’ll find that there are plenty of places to go where you can learn about Marco Island’s history. 

5 Locations of Collier County Museums

Collier Museum at Government Center

Marco Island hosts five Collier County Museums. Step back in time to when massive sharks swam the warm saltwater seas that covered Southwest Florida millions of years ago. Leap forward a bit to see the archaeological finds from the Calusa Indians who once lived here. You can also experience the isolated and self-preservation of the early pioneers. Altogether, there are over 10,000 square feet of displays, a lecture hall, and a room that hosts traveling exhibits.

Museum of the Everglades

This gorgeous coral pink-hued building dates to 1927, when it was first used for commercial laundry. Now, it serves as a museum that tells the story of how humans came to thrive in the Everglades. You’ll be taken back 2,000 years to see how the “River of Grass” came to be what it is today.

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

Another of the Marco Island historical museums is Immokalee Pioneer Museum. Immokalee is the county’s biggest inland community, which was the first home to Calusa and then Seminole people. Immokalee was named by the settlers for the Seminole word for “my home.” It was originally home to Robert Roberts, a renowned cattleman. The museum shows what life as cattle-ranching pioneers was like.

Naples Depot Museum

Naples Depot Museum tells of the arrival of two rivaling railroads. This building once was the Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station and shows what life on the go was like in the Roaring Twenties. You’ll also see restored rail cars, a mule wagon, and a number of neat interactive exhibits that show how critical the railways were to Naples’ development.

Marco Island Historical Museum

Are you a cat lover? Then this place is a ‘must’! Marco Island Historical Museum is home to the famous Key Marco Cat, an archaeological treasure crafted by the Calusa Indians. This museum also hosts exhibits showing how the area grew from a fishing village into a tourist destination after the 1960s.

Type of Events

Looking for more things to do in Marco Island? Leave your Marco Island vacation rentals behind for the day and check out some of the museums’ events.

The Collier County Museums has a homeschool program that lasts one hour per program and educates students on things like pioneer life. There is also a Third Thursday Lecture Series that hosts local and museum staff presenters. During December, there is a Deck the Depot event at Naples Depot Museum, complete with free photos with Santa!

Types of Exhibits

Each museum hosts several permanent and traveling exhibits. There is a juried showing of 31 artists at Marco Island Historical Museum through the end of January 2020. The art of Dick Jay, a long-time Everglades resident, can be seen at the Museum of the Everglades through the end of December 2019. Art exhibits do rotate every couple of months.

Education Programs and Volunteer Opportunities

The museums host numerous educational programs. The School & Home School programs offer presentations on topics like My Florida Heritage: Fun Facts about the State of Florida and Pioneer Life in Southwest Florida. School groups can come for free. Adult chaperones get in for free as well!

Volunteer opportunities abound! The museums are looking for those willing to take on the role of docent, education assistant, greeter, gardener/maintenance assistant, special events, and those with special skills or talents. You can apply to volunteer by filling out the form on the Museums’ website. Volunteering here is a great way to get outside of your Marco Island rentals and experience the rich culture and history that exists in Southwest Florida.