Smallwood Store
Step back in time at the historic Smallwood Store, a preserved trading post offering a genuine glimpse into early 20th-century Florida life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Smallwood Store
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the historic Smallwood Store, a preserved trading post offering a genuine glimpse into early 20th-century Florida life.
"It's a piece of old history and vibe! Worth a visit to the past!"
💰 Embrace the Fee
Don't let the $5 entry deter you; it's a small price for a deep dive into history.
⏰ Check Seasonal Hours
Hours change drastically between seasons. Verify before you go!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 636 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Step Back in Time
Main Store Area
Experience an authentic early 1900s atmosphere with artifacts spanning over a century. Feel the history.
The Building's Resilience
Exterior and Foundation
Marvel at a structure over 100 years old, raised in 1924 after a storm, with original pilings and floor joists.
Local Lore & Family History
With Staff
Engage with knowledgeable staff, often family members, who share captivating stories and the store's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Entry Fee & Value
Seasonal Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trip to Everglade City
My wife and 10 year old son are planning a trip to Everglades National park in July staying In Everglades city. We live in Florida, used to heat were no strangers. But we were looking for feedback from people who’ve vacationed there around July in the area and what to expect?…
💰 Embrace the Fee
Don't let the $5 entry deter you; it's a small price for a deep dive into history.
⏰ Check Seasonal Hours
Hours change drastically between seasons. Verify before you go!
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The family members working there are a treasure trove of stories.
👃 Be Prepared for Smells
The brackish water and mangroves can create a distinct, sulphury aroma.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Embrace the Fee
Don't let the $5 entry deter you; it's a small price for a deep dive into history.
⏰ Check Seasonal Hours
Hours change drastically between seasons. Verify before you go!
🗣️ Chat with Staff
The family members working there are a treasure trove of stories.
👃 Be Prepared for Smells
The brackish water and mangroves can create a distinct, sulphury aroma.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Smallwood Store for its authentic historical atmosphere and the wealth of knowledge shared by its staff, often family members. While the $5 entry fee is noted, most agree it's a worthwhile investment for a unique glimpse into early Florida life. Some find the seasonal hours restrictive, and the natural smells of the brackish environment can be strong.
"What an interesting place! Ok, $5 to get in. We saw several walk away because of this. They missed a lot of history. We talked to the gentleman there. He was a wealth of information about the place. He is a family member. It was interesting from him the history of the place. And then seeing all these artifacts from the past 100+ years was awesome.
This was the best $10 spent in a long time."
Skip Howell
"Great little spot to check out. $5 entry fee. Neat store to check out some history. Hours December 1st- may 1st 10am- 5pm may 2nd- November 20th 11am-4pm."
Brittany Young
"For this area of Florida, this is a highly recommended location to visit. The Everglades is a landmark in Florida so making the minor drive to the most southern part of it is worth it. To enter into the store is to be transported back in time. Take the time to really embrace the fact that you are in a structure that is over 100 years old. To think about how it was built, the modifications it has gone through and the fact that it has survived the hurricanes, flooding and salt water is amazing.
I was told that the building was originally on the ground floor. After a storm and flooding, the building was raised to its current elevation in 1924. Mind blowing that the pilings and floor joists are all original."
Fast Inc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Smallwood Store is located on Chokoloskee Island, near Everglades City. It's a scenic drive down the Tamiami Trail (US-41) and then south on County Road 29. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring Everglades National Park.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the store. It's a small, historic location, so parking is usually straightforward.
Absolutely! Everglades City is very close to Chokoloskee Island where the Smallwood Store is located. It's a common stop for those visiting the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a $5 per person entry fee to visit the Smallwood Store. Some visitors initially hesitate, but many find it well worth the cost for the historical experience.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the $5 fee is generally considered reasonable for the historical value provided.
No, the store has seasonal hours. It's open from December 1st to May 1st (10 am-5 pm) and from May 2nd to November 20th (11 am-4 pm). Always check their current hours before visiting.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the store. It's advisable to arrive at least an hour before closing to fully experience the exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a museum filled with artifacts from over 100 years of history, learn about the store's past from knowledgeable staff (often family members), and appreciate the unique architecture of the building itself.
While it's a historical museum, the immersive atmosphere and interesting artifacts can be engaging for older children. The entry fee applies to all visitors.
Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours exploring the store and learning about its history. Taking your time to absorb the atmosphere is recommended.
The atmosphere is described as rustic, authentic, and transporting visitors back to the early 1900s. Some even describe a unique, almost spiritual vibe.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Smallwood Store to capture its historical charm. Be respectful of other visitors and the artifacts.
The interior with its dense collection of artifacts offers many unique photo opportunities. The exterior, showcasing the building's resilience, is also picturesque.
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Social
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