Take a stroll through a historic stretch of Islamorada and learn some amazing Florida Keys history. From the beginnings of the Overseas Highway to the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane that toppled Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, Walk Historic Islamorada tells a surprising array of stories that have impacted the local history. The ten-stop tour launches from the iconic Green Turtle Inn. What follows is an approximately one mile journey revealing stories of early pioneers, the most powerful hurricane to ever strike North America and the hurricane or Red Cross Houses built for survivors, the memorial built to honor the hundreds of victims, and one of the few bona fide pirate stories connected to the island chain. The tour ends at the Pioneer Cemetery located on the picturesque beach of the Cheeca Lodge, at one time the heart of this historic community.

Developed by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) in partnership with and funding provided by Florida Humanities and the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Walk Historic Islamorada is a unique Upper Keys experience. Download the free Florida Stories app today to access the tour!

Walk Indian Key explores an island once home to the largest community in the island chain outside of Key West. In the early-1800s Indian Key was home to a restaurant, saloon, the Tropical Hotel, a nine-pin bowling alley, and all the shops, wharves, and warehouses needed to accommodate a thriving wrecking village. Residents and visitors can now learn more about this storied 11-acre island, an island that was briefly named a county seat of the newly formed Dade County. The narrated tour, with 12 stops on the island, delves into the rise and fall of the community, the 1840 attack by Indians during the Seminole War, and its most notorious resident, John Jacob Housman.  Even if you think you know the island’s tremendous history, odds are that while listening to Walk Indian Key, a story or two you have never heard will be revealed.

Today, Indian Key Historic State Park is the Florida Keys only ghost town and home to the streets and ruins of this once thriving community. The island is accessible via kayak or small watercraft. The tour features 12 stops, starting at the Park Pavilion and takes listeners through the town square, home ruins, Housman’s gravesite as well as the observation town, post office ruins and a final stop with a view of Alligator Reef Lighthouse.  If you can’t get out to the island, you can listen to the app then head to Keys History & Discovery Center on the property of the Islander Resort, where you will see a model of Indian Key circa 1840.

Walk Indian Key is a unique Upper Keys experience developed by Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) in partnership with and funding provided by Florida Humanities and the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and with support from the Florida State Parks.  Download the free Florida Stories app today to access the tour!

Need help downloading the app? Visit FLStories.org