Marco Island Historical Museum Archives

Marco Island Historical Museum: A Fascinating Journey

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 10/01/201809/11/2025Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island History

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Key Takeaways

The Marco Island Historical Museum offers educational and fun experiences, showcasing the Key Marco Cat exhibit.
The Key Marco Cat, carved by the Calusa people, is a significant archaeological find and will be on display until 2026.
Current exhibits include insights into the lives of the Calusa Indians and the island’s pioneer history.
Visitors can explore the island’s transformation over the last 50 years and enjoy a permanent outdoor gallery depicting its history.
TripAdvisor and USA Today rate the museum as a must-visit attraction in Marco Island.

Visiting the Marco Island Historical Museum is both an education and fun experience. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours away from the beach. A major reason for both residents and visitors to the island to visit this museum is to see the Key Marco Cat exhibit. However, there is also a lot to learn about the history of the Marco Island area.

The Key Marco Cat

Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum

The Marco Island Historical Museum is long famous for the Key Marco Cat. It is one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North American archaeology. The museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians. It brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays and a recreated village scene. The Key Marco Cat is on exhibit at the Marco Island Historical Museum through 2026.

Carved from native hardwood, the Key Marco Cat was created some 500 to 1,500 years ago by Southwest Florida’s early Calusa people or their Muspa ancestors. Because they were buried in an oxygen-free layer of much, the rare wooden objects were astonishingly well preserved. Since their discovery, the Key Marco Cat and other artifacts have been preserved by the Smithsonian and University of Pennsylvania.

The half cat/half human figure is considered one of the finest pieces of pre-Columbian Native American art ever discovered in North America. It is just six inches tall, but the feline has captured the public’s attention for over a century. It continues to intrigue visitors to the Marco Island Historical Museum.

Temporary and traveling exhibits trace the settlement of this island called “paradise” from its early pioneer roots. Marco Island started out as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam cannery. Explosive growth and development in the 1960s by the Miami-based Deltona Corporation brought the island to the attention of people seeking beachfront homes from across the nation.

Current Exhibits at Marco Island Historical Museum

The Calusa – Marco Island’s earliest settlers

An exhibit providing extraordinary insight into the daily lives of the Calusa Indians and their ancestors. The Calusas dominated Florida’s Southwest Coast and controlled South Florida by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th Century. The Calusas developed from the archaic peoples of the Everglades region. They were a powerful, complex society that lived on the shores of Southwest Florida. The had a reputation of being a fierce, war-like people, especially among European explorers and smaller groups.

Pioneer Era – (A Tale of Two Villages) Marco Island from the 1800’s to the 1960’s

This exhibit offers visitors an look at the people, industries and lifestyles on Marco Island during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It explores the pioneer villages at Marco and Caxambas.

Modern Marco – From the Mackle Brothers to Today

Explores Marco’s explosive growth over the last 50 years. It begins with the vision of Deltona Corporation’s Marco brothers. Their massive development project forever changed the face of Marco Island.

Windows and Doors To History – (a permanent outdoor gallery)

Windows & Doors to History extends Marco Island Historical Museum exhibitions to the outside with 20 faux windows, three faux doors, and a 3 panel column that depict scenes from Marco’s history. Portraits of individuals who had great influence on the area are presented.

It’s the #1 Thing to Do

The museum is also the perfect place to pick up a souvenir coffee table book or take home gift from their on site gift shop.

TripAdvisor always gives the Marco island Historical Museum a very high rating on the list of things to do in Marco Island. “USA Today” has rated MIHM the #1 thing to do while on Marco.

180 S. Heathwood Dr.
Marco Island, Fl. 34145
(239) 642-1440
https://colliermuseums.com/locations

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on National and County Holidays

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to see our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island.
Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!

Make the Most of Your Marco Island Vacation

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Activities and Sports, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 07/27/201806/22/2026Beach Yoga, Breakfast on Marco Island, Dolphin Explorer, Everglades National Park, Fifth Avenue South Naples, Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Eco Tours, Marco Island Farmers Market, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island Kayaking, Marco Island Waterfront Dining, Sea Mar Condo, Walking Marco Island Beaches

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island offers a variety of activities for all ages, including beach yoga, paddleboarding, and eco-tours.
Start your day with coffee and breakfast at local favorites like Doreen’s Cup of Joe or Tigertail Cafe.
Explore shopping areas for unique gifts and clothing or enjoy dining with waterfront views at places like Sunset Grille.
Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum to learn about the island’s history or take a day trip to Everglades National Park.
Check in to Sea Mar Condos for a comfortable stay and make the most of your Marco Island vacation.

Tuck these ideas into your travel bag to make the most of your Marco island Vacation. There are activities on Marco Island for all ages and skill levels. From morning until late evening, you are sure to be in awe of this beautiful island. The beaches and mangrove areas offers lots to explore. Many restaurants offer great seafood and beautiful sunsets. It’s also easy to get exercise with walks along the beaches. Marco Island’s history can be explored at our local museum. Area shopping is fun. Everglades National Park is a short drive away. And Sea Mar Condos are the perfect place to stay while on the island. There is something for everyone!

1. Early Morning Exercise

Whether you take a morning walk or run or do yoga on the beach during sunrise, getting an early morning workout gets you ready for the day. In addition, the island is less crowded in the mornings. It’s peaceful, serene setting calms the mind. A favorite walk if staying on the North side of the beach is to walk Tigertail Beach. If golf is more your early morning routine, the courses in the area are especially nice!

2. Grab a Morning Coffee and a Yummy Breakfast

Visit Doreen’s Cup of Joe for the perfect cup of coffee. You can also choose from their huge breakfast menu. I love the stuffed french toast covered with fruit toppings. Their fresh squeezed orange juice also makes a nice addition to your morning! If you chose to paddleboard or kayak first, Tigertail Cafe also has a nice selection of food items. Another place for a nice breakfast on the island is Red Rooster located on San Marco. And of course, there is always our oversized balcony at Sea Mar Condo for the perfect cup of coffee and breakfast.

3. Learn to Paddleboard or Kayak

Tigertail Lagoon is the perfect place paddleboard or kayak. The water is very calm and the scenery is spectacular! There are several companies that rent paddleboards or kayaks on the island and deliver to your location. The area around Caxambus Park is also a good place to kayak and do some shelling. In addition, several companies also offer kayak tours of Marco Island and the mangrove areas. These tours are excellent for both beginners and the more experienced. The guided tours are very informative and educational. Paddleboarding or kayaking are great activities for any age.

https://seamarcondo.com/kayaking-around-marco-island

4. Head to the Farmers Market

During the months of mid-November through mid-April, the Marco Island Farmers Market is open each Wednesday at Veteran’s Park. This is a great place to pick up small gifts as well as fresh produce and vegetables. The selection of items is unbelievable! It’s also a great place to pick up a snack or lunch from the many food vendors there. The farmer’s market is a favorite for island visitors and residents.

https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-farmers-market-a-fresh-slice-of-paradise

5. Go Shopping

Marco Island has several areas that offer unique shopping. The Shops at Old Marco, the Marco Town Center and the Esplanade all specialize in unique gifts and clothing. It is fun to combine an evening dinner and shopping. Fifth Avenue South in nearby Naples is also a fun shopping experience, especially when the night ends with a Kilwin’s ice cream! I also enjoy all the fun gift shops that line the streets. This area is especially pretty in the evening hours when the area is ablaze with lights from the palm trees.

https://seamarcondo.com/a-visit-to-olde-marco

6. Take an Eco Tour or Rent a Boat to Explore

There are many eco tours available on the island that provide opportunities to see dolphin, manatee, and the many bird species that are on Marco and the surrounding area. Many of these tours are also great for children. The Dolphin Explorer focuses on educating guests about our local dolphins. This tour introduces their guests to each dolphin by name. Did you know the Marco Island Dolphins each have a name? You may even get to name a dolphin! If you prefer fishing, there are also many fishing excursions leaving the island each day. Both deep sea fishing and backwater fishing are popular with island visitors. Another option is to rent a boat and explore on your own. Many of the marinas rent pontoon or speed boats and provide easy directions on boating around the area. The Naples area also has some fantastic sightseeing tours that are worth checking out.

If you prefer boating on your own, many of the local marinas rent boats for the half day or day. They also offer navigational maps and tips for safe boating around the island https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-boating .

7. Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum

The Marco Island Historical Museum provides guests an opportunity to learn about early Marco. Learn about the famous for its Key Marco Cat. It is one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North American archaeology. The museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians. It brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays. There is even an exciting recreated village scene. The museum also explores the early 1960s development of Marco Island to the present day island of paradise. Visiting the Marco Island Historical Museum is a great rainy day excursion. It is also a great way to spend a few hours away from the beach.

8. Visit the Everglades

Everglades National Park is 15 minutes away by jet ski. Several of the island eco tours will visit the mangrove areas around the park. It is also a short 45 minute drive to Everglades City or Big Cypress Visitors Center. It’s always a fun adventure to take an air boat or swamp buggy tour. A drive around Loop Road in Big Cypress is also the perfect place to see alligators, wading and nesting birds, and beautiful scenery. A ranger station around Big Cypress offers lots of information about the park and it’s inhabitants. Everglades National Park has 3 entrances that are fairly close to Marco Island. There are many places to hike and explore. See our complete article on Everglades National Park in the link below.

9. Visit a Church

Marco Island has many churches that welcome visitors for Sunday services in casual attire. On Easter Sunday, the island has a sun rise service on the beach.

10. Dine by the Water

Many of the restaurants on the island offer waterfront dining. Some like the Snook Inn also have live music each night. The seafood selections are great. Most restaurants have a wide variety of non-seafood items as well. If you prefer to catch your own meal, many of the restaurants prepare your catch for you at a very reasonable price. Restaurant selection varies from casual low-key dining to casual elegant dining. And if you need a break from seafood…Marco Island has some great burgers as well! Visiting one of the waterfront restaurants is a great way to see the beautiful island sunsets as well. Some of our favorite restaurants on the water are Sunset Grille, Sale e Pepe, Mangos, and Snook Inn.

11. Check In to Sea Mar Condo

Our property is managed by Blue Water Rentals. BWR provides around the clock service to answer any questions or maintenance concerns should they arise. The owners are Larry and Teresa Luber from Kingsport, TN. We love our guests and want to welcome you to this beautiful island paradise. We look forward to sharing our Marco Island Condo with you for the vacation of your dreams.

At Sea Mar Condos, our guests are our #1 priority. Our condos are 2 bedroom/ 2 bath penthouse condos. They are located on the 19th floors of South Seas Northwest Towers 3 and 4 in Marco Island, FL. Each condo has a king bed, 2 twins, and a queen sleeper sofa. Free wifi and 3 televisions are in each condo. The condos face South overlooking Crescent Beach. The units are fully equipped with beautiful views. A large heated pool, which is comfortable all year round, is located between our 2 condos. We strive to make our condos as comfortable and special for your vacation as they are for us when we use them.

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condos and Marco Island. You will find lots of information on things to see and do on Marco Island. Restaurant suggestions are also on our website.
Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!

Let’s Go Down to Marco Island: Sun, Sand, Serenity

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Activities and Sports, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 07/26/201809/11/2025Boating Marco Island, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Everglades National Park, Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island Kayaking, Marco Island Tours, Sea Mar Condo, South Beach Marco Island, Tigertail Beach

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Key Takeaways

The author’s first trip to Marco Island sparked a love for the area and frequent visits over the years.
Marco Island offers beautiful beaches, both peaceful and lively, perfect for relaxation or adventure.
There are many activities, such as fishing, exploring Everglades National Park, and dining options featuring fresh seafood.
The island is family-friendly, with parks, playgrounds, and educational tours suitable for children.
The Marco Island Historical Museum provides insight into the island’s rich history and culture.

A little over 20 years ago, my husband came to me and said “Let’s go down to Marco Island this year”. He proceeded to tell me his brother and sister-in-law had been there prior and were wanting us to join them there this year for vacation.

I had never heard of Marco Island and didn’t even know what state it was in. However, since it had “island” in the name, I thought it must be on a beach somewhere. Since I love beach vacations, I was easily persuaded to go along. (I also love my brother and sister-in law and loved the idea of vacationing with them).

One Thing Leads to Another

Needless to say, our first trip to Marco Island was a success. We feel in love with the island, the locals, the beaches and the many adventures that await visitors to the area. We left Marco planning our next vacation there! For the next 10 years or so, we found ourselves vacationing on Marco at least every other year. Each time we left wanting to return as soon as possible.

Then, we found ourselves thinking about purchasing a place there for retirement – or at least a place to go in retirement. We have both just retired, but we still do not get to spend as much time on Marco as we would like. However, we do get there 3 times a year. While we are not there, we rent our condos (Sea Mar Condo) https://seamarcondo.com out so others can enjoy the beauty of Marco Island and the comfort of our units. We love sharing our piece of paradise with others and want them to enjoy it as much as we do when we are there.

Marco Island -Let’s Go!

Marco Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf of Mexico approximately 18 miles south of Naples. The island is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by the aqua waters of the Gulf. Marco has 2 very different beaches that are accessible to guests. Tigertail Beach is a peaceful and secluded – a nature lover’s dream https://seamarcondo.com/early-morning-walk-down-tigertail-beach. Crescent of South Beach is busy with watercraft, beachgoers, and luxurious hotels. Both beaches are beautiful and perfect for shelling, a long beach walk or just relaxing with a good book or nap. The sunsets on the island are spectacular!

Adventure

If you are more into adventure than hanging around the beach, Marco Island will not disappoint. The surrounding 10,000 island area is one of the best in the world for fishing. Everglades National Park is only 15 minutes away by jet ski and a short 45 minute drive by car to air boat and swamp buggy tours https://seamarcondo.com/day-trip-to-everglades-national-park. Marco Island is home to dolphin, manatee, and many species of birds including egrets, blue herons, pelicans, black skimmers, roseate spoonbills, and osprey.

There are many tour companies on the island with professional guides to help you maneuver through the mangroves in the area whether you go by jet ski, boat or kayak. Of course, you can always take the option of seeing Marco from above by parasail or a plane ride. https://seamarcondo.com/parasailing-over-marco-islands-waters

Dining

For those who love fresh seafood, you have many options. Many of the restaurants will even fix your catch of the day for dinner that evening. For those who prefer something other than seafood, the many restaurants on the island offer a wide variety of options. A lot of the restaurants on Marco also offer waterfront dining and live music. The Marco Island Princess offers a great dining experience on the water along with a sunset cruise.

Family Friendly

Marco Island is family friendly and a great place to vacation with the younger ones. The island has two parks and a kid playground. There is also a miniature golf course. Most of the tours are also suitable for children and some, especially the Dolphin Explorer, focus on educational experiences for the youngsters. Most of the jet ski tours, and kayaks are made to accommodate 2 adults and a child.

History

The Marco island Historical Museum is also located on the island and offers guests to the island an opportunity to learn the rich history of Marco, from the Calusa Indians, its development in the 1960s, to this modern day paradise. We are very excited that the Key Marco Cat is on display at the museum https://themihs.info/museum.

Book Your Vacation at Sea Mar Condo in Marco Island

Let’s go down to Marco Island! Whether your idea of a great vacation is heading down to the water with a couple of beach chairs or seeking a family adventure, this island has everything to make memories of a lifetime.

Now is the time to book your vacation in Marco Island. Be our guests at Sea Mar Condo and see for yourself what’s going on in Marco island. Visit https://seamarcondo.com for more information on Marco Island and Sea Mar Condos!

Discover the Best of Marco Island, FL

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Marco Island Activities and Sports, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 06/01/201806/22/2026Casual Dining on Marco Island, Fifth Avenue South Naples, Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Eco Tours, Marco Island Fishing, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island Tours, Marco Island Waterfront Dining, Public Golf Courses, Sea Mar Condo

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Key Takeaways

Marco Island offers a variety of activities including beaches, water sports, golfing, fishing, and cultural attractions.
Visitors enjoy crystal blue waters for swimming, jet skiing, and shelling along the beautiful beaches.
Dining options feature fresh seafood, Italian cuisine, and waterfront locations with live music.
Shopping includes unique gift shops, a local Farmers Market, and upscale shopping nearby in Naples.
The Marco Island Historic Museum provides insight into the island’s history and is worth a visit.

It is not hard to “find” things to do in Marco Island, Florida. However, it may be difficult deciding between the many options available. Whether you enjoy beaches https://seamarcondo.com/marco-islands-beaches, water sports, touring, golf, fishing, shopping or cultural attractions you will find many activities here.

This small island is located 17 miles south of Naples. It is a short 45 minute drive from Everglades National Park https://seamarcondo.com/day-trip-to-everglades-national-park. It is also the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands https://seamarcondo.com/see-10000-islands.

See our related post: Let’s Go Do to Marco Island: https://seamarcondo.com/lets-go-down-to-marco-island

Photo credit: Joey Waves Photography

Marco Island Beaches and Watersports

The island is small, covering 12 square miles. Although small, it has some of the country’s most beautiful white sandy beaches https://seamarcondo.com/testimonial/beaches-in-marco-island. The Gulf of Mexico waters are crystal blue and the skies are fluffed with white puffy clouds. The clear water is perfect for swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or boating. The shells along the shoreline are colorful, unique. Shelling is a favorite pass time https://seamarcondo.com/shelling-on-marco-island.

Booking a deep sea fishing trip or shoreline fishing is always a favorite among visitors. Many boat charters offer tours to Keewaydin Island, Kice Island, or Cape Romano. Boat tours also are available for dolphin and manatee sightseeing excursions.

For an evening sunset cruise and dining experience, we recommend the Marco Island Princess. The sunsets are spectacular and the food is great! Try the Key West Express leaving daily for round trips between Marco and Key West.

Golf/Sports

Most of the golf courses on the island are private. However, there are many courses located within 15 minutes that welcome visiting guests. Nearby Naples is known as for its many courses as well https://seamarcondo.com/golf-on-the-paradise-coast.

Many of our visitors at Sea Mar Condo also enjoy the tennis and pickleball courts.

See our related post: Marco Island Pickleball https://seamarcondo.com/marco-island-pickleball

Shopping

There are many gift shops and unique clothing shops located on the island. A local Farmers Market is at Veterans Park each Wednesday during winter season.

Fifth Avenue South in Naples is a short 20 minute drive from Marco . This area offers many upscale clothing and gift shops. The area offers many nice dining selections. Of course, my favorite is Kilwin’s Ice Cream!

https://seamarcondo.com/fifth-avenue-south-naples

Dining

There are many restaurants serving fresh seafood, prime steaks, delicious Italian, and short order pizzas and burgers. In addition, many of the island’s restaurants offer waterfront dining and live music.

The World Famous Snook Inn located in Olde Marco and offers waterfront dining and live music nightly https://snookinn.com. The Marco Island Brewery is a local favorite for burgers, pizzas, and local craft beers https://seamarcondo.com/where-to-eat-and-drink-on-marco-island-marco-island-brewery. In addition, there are also several gourmet dining options on the island for that special evening out https://seamarcondo.com/gourmet-dining.

Arts

The Marco Island Historic Museum is definitely worth a visit. We definitely suggest seeing the Key Marco Cat. It resides in a “special home” built just for the exhibit. The museum traces the history of the island from the Calusa Indian settlement through the explosive building phase in the early 60s to its modern day tourist destination.

Plan Your Marco Island Vacation at Sea Mar Condo!

It’s time you discover the beauty of Marco! Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com. You can enjoy its unique beauty from our 19th floor Penthouse condo located in South Seas Northwest. Our website also provides many links to restaurants and tour companies to assist you in planning your vacation at Sea Mar Condo. Owners Larry and Teresa and been around the area for 25 plus years and are very familiar with the island. We are available for questions anytime – just drop us a line on our contact form.

The Fascinating Tale of the Key Marco Cat

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 05/21/201809/11/2025Key Marco Cat, Marco Island Historical Museum, Marco Island History, Sea Mar Condo

Home » Marco Island Historical Museum

Key Takeaways

The Key Marco Cat is a unique 6-inch artifact from the Calusa Indians, discovered in 1896 during an archaeological expedition in Marco Island.
Archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing found the figurine along with other artifacts, dating back to 300 AD to 1500 AD.
The figurine likely held religious significance for the Calusa, showcasing their artistic skills and craftsmanship.
Currently, the Key Marco Cat is housed in the Marco Island Historical Museum, which offers a rewarding visit for guests.
Visitors can learn more about Marco Island and enjoy their experience by exploring local history through the museum.

A Little Bit of History on Marco Island- The Key Marco Cat

Today we are going to focus on a little bit of history in Marco Island. It involves a six inch wooden carved figure of a part feline, part human known as The Key Marco Cat. It is also one of the most intriguing Native American artifacts ever discovered in Florida. Especially important, the “Marco Cat” is native to Marco Island!

One of the first organized archaeological expeditions in Florida took place in 1896 in Marco Island. The dig was on the north end of the island in the area of Key Marco. Archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing and his team uncovered the 6″ tall figurine along with thousands of other Calusa Indian artifacts. They also include colorful ceremonial masks. The artifacts discovered by Cushing on Marco Island dated from 300 AD to 1500 AD. This was prior to European contact in Florida.

The Calusa Indians were very artistic. At the time they were on Marco Island, the area is plentiful with food. Much of their time they devote to art instead of hunting. The Key Marco Cat probably has religious significance to the Calusa group.

The cat figurine is the most famous of the artifacts of the Cushing’s Pepper-Hearst expedition. The cat carving is in native buttonwood using shark teeth and shell scrapers. It is a pristine example of the beautiful Calusa artistry and workmanship. Scientists believe that the figurine was preserved in a film of animal fat before being found, after being buried by a catastrophic hurricane in the 12th or 13th century.

Is the Key Marco Cat Returning to Marco Island?

Currently, it is in the Marco Island Historical Museum. It is in a climate controlled cement structure with thick glass windows with a special design to protect it.

This is definitely on our recommendation list of things for our guests to see. A visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum is always a rewarding experience. It is also a great way to spend a couple of hours away from the beach.

Visit our website https://www.seamarcondo.com for more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island, FL. We want to make your vacation on Marco Island a trip of a lifetime!