Collier County Museums – Discover the History of SWFL

All Collier County Museums offer free admission

Want to find out what I consider one of the best deals? Collier County Museums offers five locations in which you can learn about the history of Southwest Florida. You didn’t have to pay an entrance fee for each museum! You get free admission, education programs, lectures, and exhibits.

The Collier County Museums were established in 1978 and offer a rich selection of people, places, and events that make the area’s history, and heritage, well worth exploring. Five distinct museum locations offer a unique glimpse into the past. Each one offers a different view of our past. The glittering landscape of ancient cypress forests and sun-warmed beaches is woven with the story of Florida’s rich history. You will find saber cats, long-gone civilizations, fascinating archaeological finds and ingenious inventions, turn of the century trading posts, cowmen and cattle ranches, as well as some of Florida’s most colorful and adventurous characters. It is a huge story, too large to be told in one place – or even one museum.

You can learn more about the past at Roberts Ranch’s Immokalee Pioneer Museum. Or you might be interested in the Marco Island Museum’s ancient Indian artifacts, such as the Marco Cat or the Naples Depot, where you can see the past in photos and chronological timelines that start pre-1886. There are many amazing views of Naples from yesteryear that you can discover and enjoy. Honestly, I can’t find my personal favorite – they are all so fascinating.

You can check out the well-developed website at www.CollierMuseums.com or call 1-239-252-8476 to learn about upcoming events.

The Naples Depot Museum

The Naples Depot Museum is a historic train station that has been transformed into a museum. It is located in downtown Naples and is one of the most popular museums in Collier County. The museum features exhibits that explore the history of the area, including the Seminole Wars, the railroad industry, and the development of Naples.

One of the highlights of the museum is the restored train cars that are on display. Visitors can step inside and get a feel for what it was like to travel by train in the early 20th century. There are also interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the mechanics of trains and the jobs of the people who worked on them.

Naples Depot Museum
1051 Fifth Avenue South
Naples, FL 34102
239-252-8419

The Collier County Museum

The Collier County Museum is located in Naples and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. The museum has several exhibits that explore the region’s history, including exhibits on the Calusa Indians, the pioneers who settled the area, and the impact of hurricanes.

One of the unique features of the Collier County Museum is the pioneer village, which is a recreated 19th-century village that gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the early days of Collier County. The village includes a general store, a schoolhouse, and several other buildings that have been preserved from that era.

Collier Museum at Government Center
3331 Tamiami Trail East
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: 239-252-8476

The Museum of the Everglades

The Museum of the Everglades is located in Everglades City, which is in the southern part of Collier County. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Everglades and the people who have lived there. The exhibits cover the natural history of the region, the Native Americans who lived there, and the development of the area as a tourist destination.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Museum of the Everglades is the Barron Collier Gallery, which features the personal effects of Barron Collier, the man who was instrumental in the development of the area. Visitors can see his personal office, his hunting trophies, and his collection of antique firearms.

Museum of the Everglades
105 West Broadway Avenue
Everglades City, FL 34139
239-252-5026

The Marco Island Historical Museum

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located on the beautiful Marco Island and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. The museum has several exhibits that cover the history of Marco Island, including exhibits on the Calusa Indians, the pioneer families who settled the island, and the development of the area as a tourist destination.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Marco Island Historical Museum is the Key Marco Cat, which is a small wooden statue of a panther that was discovered on the island in 1896. The statue is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is one of the most important archaeological finds in Florida history.

Marco Island Historical Museum
180 South Heathwood Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
239-252-1440

The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch

The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch is located in Immokalee and is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the pioneer families who settled the area. The museum features exhibits on the Seminole Wars, the cattle industry, and the daily lives of the pioneer families.

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
1215 Roberts Avenue West
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-252-2611

How to find Collier County Museums