Marco Island Historical Museum

The importance of Marco Island to ancient Calusa Indian civilization, which spread throughout Southwest Florida and even into the Keys, was established in 1896 by archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in what has been called one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in North America. The most famous of his excavation finds was a 6-inch wooden effigy that's come to be known as the Key Marco Cat, which is currently on loan from the Smithsonian through 2026. A super-sized bronze replica presides over the courtyard, which was constructed to simulate the tribes' shell mounds. Inside the still-developing museum, two exhibit rooms are devoted to Calusa culture. The Calusa and Their Legacy exhibit revolves around a recreated Calusa village with a temple and other realistic vignettes. One room is devoted to Marco Island's early development and pioneer days. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits.