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 Big Cypress Tours

Big Cypress Tours

HOW TO REQUEST TOURS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROGRAMS

TOUR DEPOSIT FEE & CANCELLATIONS

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIELDTRIP
BIG CYPRESS LOCATION
A trip into the rich swamplands of the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation will introduce students to scenic roads, lush vegetation, and a thriving community of Seminole people. We offer tours entirely in Spanish (ahora se estan ofresiendo viajes en Español). Guided Tours at this location can accommodate large groups (maximum size of 120) Tuesday through Thursday, and smaller groups (maximum size of 60) Friday through Monday. A picnic area is available for "bring your own" lunches.
DESCRIPTIONS
GALLERY TOUR (1 hr)
The tour begins with a short orientation film “We Seminoles.� Then enjoy a hands-on tour with touchable artifacts crafted by Tribal members, where students can exercise skills of historical inquiry and analysis. Discuss such topics as hunting, marriage, transportation, clothing, stories, the green corn dance, and stickball. The West Gallery features a different Seminole or Native American inspired exhibit each year. Click here to see what is currently on exhibit.

BOARDWALK TOUR (1½ hrs)
More than a mile long, the boardwalk acquaints students with the ecosystem of the Big Cypress Reservation as they move through a beautiful 60-acre cypress dome. Read the informative panels detailing the plants the Seminoles used for food, medicine, shelter, and tools or listen with your cell phone. Along the way, stop, rest, and learn about the Seminole Clans under the pavilion, complete with authentic art. Continue on to a re-created ceremonial ground that functions as a meeting place for both traditional and modern events. In the center of the grounds is an area for playing stickball, a traditional game for many Indian tribes of the Southeast. After the ceremonial grounds is the Living Village, depicting the Seminole villages and tourist camps from the 1920s through the 1970s. Here, Tribal Elders demonstrate traditional arts and crafts (available for purchase) and are available to answer questions (Note: there may be days in which no Tribal Elders are in the Village due to inclement weather or cultural reasons). The boardwalk is accessible for the physically challenged, and wheelchairs are provided for those in need at no additional cost.

CHILDREN’S CRAFT (45min.) The Education Classroom includes instructive material and an area to make crafts. There are a variety of children’s crafts available that teach about Seminole culture, including miniature chickees, beaded critters, or patchwork bookmarks. Sessions last 45 minutes and can accommodate up to 30 students per session. There is an additional charge of $3.00 per person for this activity.
ADDITIONAL TYPES OF TOURS
GALLERY & BOARDWALK TOUR (2½ hrs)

GALLERY & BOARDWALK TOUR PLUS CRAFT (3½ hrs)

GALLERY & BOARDWALK TOUR PLUS CRAFT & PICNIC (4 hrs) - Break for lunch, we provide a picnic area, you bring the lunch. We can also provide contacts for catering or boxed lunches.
Scout Program
(10:00am- 4:00pm)
Come experience all-day programs for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts that are designed to help fulfill patch or badge requirements. All scouting programs are offered a hands-on tour with touchable artifacts crafted by Tribal members, and are involve active discussions about important Native American issues. Break for lunch in our picnic area with your brownbag lunch. After lunch, create a craft that teaches about aspects of Seminole culture (See Children’s Craft for craft options). Then explore the Boardwalk and learn how plants are used by the Seminole people. Visit our Living Village and watch as Tribal Elders make their crafts. Finally, you will finish the day at the ceremonial grounds for a game of stickball. Be advised: this game is enjoyable & challenging; most scouts will want to stay longer! These programs are offered throughout the year based upon availability, so please call ahead.
CONTACT INFORMATION
To schedule your visit to the Museum at Big Cypress please contact:
Assistant Education Coordinator Sara Whitehead (877) 902-1113 Ext. 12211 or sarawhitehead@semtribe.com

For other information regarding educational programs please contact:
Education Coordinator Diana Stone (877) 902-1113 Ext. 12207 or dianastone@semtribe.com

 

 
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AhTahThiki Museum - 34725 West Boundary Road - Clewiston, FL 33440
Phone: 863-902-1113

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