Hue Knew Guidebook on Places to Explore the Diversity of Florida: Native American Edition
Florida’s cultural landscape stretches far beyond its beaches and theme parks. Long before the modern state existed, Indigenous nations shaped every river, forest, and coastal village with their knowledge, engineering, and spiritual traditions. During Native American Heritage Month, New Hue Media invites families to explore Florida through a new lens—one that honors the people who built foundations long before the first city was mapped.
Across Central and North Florida, visitors can walk inside ancient shell mounds, explore boardwalk museums hidden in the Everglades, learn about Black Seminole freedom fighters, and experience the sacred spaces where Florida’s history truly began. These sites offer families meaningful adventures that celebrate culture, resilience, and the diversity that defines our state today.
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum | Big Cypress Seminole Reservation
Located deep within the Everglades, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum (“a place to learn, a place to remember”) offers one of Florida’s most immersive cultural experiences. Families can explore a 60-acre boardwalk, step into a traditional Seminole Village, and watch artists create beadwork, basketry, and patchwork clothing. The museum stands as a powerful reminder of the Seminole Tribe’s enduring strength and its role in shaping Florida’s identity.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park | Crystal River
This remarkable site preserves one of the oldest Native American ceremonial centers in the Southeastern United States. Its towering temple mounds and riverside plazas give visitors a glimpse into traditions that date back more than 1,600 years. Families can climb the observation mound overlooking Crystal River and learn how early Indigenous societies connected through trade, ceremony, and shared culture.
Hontoon Island State Park | Deltona
Hidden in the St. Johns River and accessible only by ferry, Hontoon Island offers a peaceful look into the world of the Mayaca people. Ancient shell mounds, nature trails, and replicas of wooden carvings, such as the famous Owl Totem, help families visualize daily life before European contact. It’s a perfect day trip for those seeking nature, history, and adventure in the heart of Central Florida!
Tampa Bay History Center | Tampa
This museum’s Native American exhibits highlight thousands of years of culture from the Tocobaga, Calusa, and other early Florida nations. Through artifacts, pottery, coastal tools, and interactive displays, visitors can uncover the complex societies that once thrived across the Gulf Coast. The center is an ideal destination for families who want hands-on learning and a deeper understanding of Florida’s Indigenous history.
The Mound House | Fort Myers Beach
Built on a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound, the Mound House allows visitors to go inside the mound itself. Guided tours reveal how the Calusa engineered their communities with sustainable coastal resources and created one of the most advanced Indigenous societies in Florida. The waterfront setting makes this an unforgettable cultural and educational experience.
Mission San Luis | Tallahassee
A National Historic Landmark, Mission San Luis was once home to the Apalachee people and Spanish colonists in the 1600s. Today, the reconstructed village includes a massive council house, a blacksmith area, a church, and living-history demonstrations. Families can witness how Indigenous and European cultures intertwined and influenced each other during a complex period of Florida’s past.
Honoring the Legacy of the Black Seminoles
Florida’s Native American heritage is also deeply connected to the story of the Black Seminoles—Africans and African Americans who found refuge among the Seminole Tribe and built communities grounded in resistance, freedom, and unity. Their legacy can be explored at Fort Mose.
Fort Mose Historic State Park (St. Augustine)
African Americans and Indigenous allies established the first legally recognized free Black settlement in the United States lived and defended their freedom.
These stories remind us that Florida’s history is not just Indigenous—it is multicultural, interconnected, and powerful.
Ways Families Can Celebrate Native American Heritage Month & Beyond
Take a weekend trip to a cultural site or archaeological park
Support Native American artisans, storytellers, and businesses
Read children’s books written by Seminole and Miccosukee authors
Attend heritage events hosted throughout November
Share your experiences online to educate others and raise awareness
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month is not only about learning history—it’s about honoring the people who continue to preserve their culture, art, and identity every day.
A New Hue Perspective on Florida’s Roots
Florida’s Indigenous heritage is woven into every corner of the state, from the rivers that carried ancient trade routes to the villages that stood long before colonization. By exploring these sacred spaces, families gain a new appreciation for the resilience and brilliance of Native American communities who shaped the land we live on.
At New Hue Media, we highlight the stories that matter—the stories that expand our understanding of Florida’s rich diversity and inspire families to explore with purpose. This November, step into the history that shaped our home. Follow the trails, visit the mounds, walk the villages, and let Florida show you a side you never knew existed.
