AH TAH THI KI MUSEUM

By  Mike Miller April 9, 2025

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, located 45 minutes from Clewiston, Florida and an hour from Naples or Fort Lauderdale, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Tucked within the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, this museum offers an immersive experience that brings visitors closer to the rich heritage of the Seminole people.

With a name meaning “a place to learn, a place to remember” in the Seminole language, the museum serves as a vital cultural and educational resource. 

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum was established in 1997 as a way to preserve the Seminole Tribe’s history and share it with the public.

In 2009, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum was the first tribally governed museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The Seminoles, known for their resilience and survival against U.S. government efforts to remove them from Florida, have a long and storied past.

The museum highlights Seminole culture and history. Currently the museum focuses on Seminole life at the turn of the 19th century with rotating exhibitions featuring modern Seminole culture and achievements.

Seminole Chickee, ATTK GRP 783.1
Photo Courtesy of Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

The Museum features permanent exhibits on Seminole Camp Life and Seminole Legends with rotating temporary exhibitions that feature traditional practices such as alligator wrestling, basket making, patchwork, and doll making, as well as contemporary Seminole life.

The museum’s collection houses over 230,000 historic and cultural objects, making it a leading institution for Seminole historical research. 

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is located at 34725 West Boundary Road, Clewiston, Florida, within the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for certain holidays. Make sure to check their website for any closures.

Visitors can explore 5,000 square feet of exhibits, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary Seminole art.

A highlight is the 1-mile boardwalk, which winds through a lush cypress dome, offering a chance to see wildlife and learn about the natural environment that has sustained the Seminoles for generations. 

Tips for visitors: 

The Boardwalk closes at 4 pm so come early enough to make sure you have time and wear comfortable shoes for walking the boardwalk trail. 

Check the museum’s website for special events and guided tours. 

Stop by museum store for authentic Seminole crafts and souvenirs. 

• The museum is tribally owned and operated, ensuring that the Seminole people control how their history is presented.  

• It is the first tribally governed museum to receive accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.

AH-TAH-THI-MUSEUM WEBSITE