Walk Through Nature and History at Crane Point Hammock
Tucked away just off U.S. 1 in the center of Marathon is Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, a 63-acre tropical oasis of nature trails and boardwalks through extensive hammocks filled with native hardwood trees and plants, two historic homes, the Museum of Natural History and the Marathon Wild Bird Center.
The 1.2 miles of meandering groomed trails and boardwalks throughout Crane Point are a popular escape for those seeking to familiarize themselves with the many native Keys species of plants and trees, as well as those in search of quiet time in nature. For the more adventurous there are more than two miles of natural trails to explore.
The Adderly House at Crane Point is the oldest house in the Florida Keys outside of Key West.
Oldest House in the Keys Outside Key West
There are several stops as you walk along the trail, or ride on guided golf cart tours led by volunteers. Check with museum staff about departure times.
The Adderley House is the oldest house in the Florida Keys outside Key West. George and Olivia Adderley, Black Bahamians who settled in the area in the early 1900s, built their home out of tabby, a homemade form of concrete made by burning oyster, conch and other seashells to extract lime, then mixing that with water, sand, ash and bits of shells. Walk inside the house and step back in time to imagine what life was like there over a century ago.
The mid-century modern Crane House has been fully restored and is available for meetings, weddings and other gatherings.
Mid-Century Mod with a View
Adderley sold the property in 1950 to Francis and Mary Crane, a wealthy conservationist couple who soon realized what a priceless purchase they had made. They vowed to protect the native hardwood forest and wetlands from the inroads of advancing civilization and development.
The couple hired Miami architect Wahl Snyder, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design their home, now known as the Crane House. Completed in 1954, the mid-century modern structure has recently been restored to its original splendor. The fully renovated, detailed interior may only be viewed on volunteer-led tours. The home is available for weddings, parties and business events.
The Museum of Natural History at Crane Point traces Marathon's history and includes a walkthrough coral reef exhibit.
Museum and Nature Center
Near the property’s entrance is the Museum of Natural History, where visitors can discover how Native Americans forged a living from this area, view a 600-year-old dugout canoe and remnants of pirate ships, and learn about exploits of early explorers and pioneers. Visitors can also see exhibits about the natural world, including the endangered Key deer and sea turtles, and walk through a coral reef habitat.
Just outside the museum is a children's activities area that includes a wooden pirate ship and a touch tank for getting up-close-and-personal with Keys creatures.
There are many spots to stop and relax in the natural surroundings at Crane Point Hammock.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Continue walking past the play area to reach the Butterfly Meadow and a garden area that is home to a rehabilitated bald eagle that can’t be released to the wild. “Rita” lives in a large enclosure and is cared for staff of the onsite Marathon Wild Bird Center.
The entire Crane Point property, acquired by the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust in 1989, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — fulfilling the Cranes’ original dream of preserving their personal sanctuary, filled with biodiversity and cultural significance.
Difficulty level: Easy
Best for: Nature lovers, architecture and history buffs
Admission: $17.95 adults, senior/military $15.95, ages 5-12 $9.95, under 5 free. Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 5550 Overseas Highway
Nearby lodging: Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, Courtyard by Marriott Faro Blanco, Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa, Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marathon; Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort, Hawks Cay Resort
Nearby dining: Pops BBQ at Crane Point Hammock, Herbie’s Bar & Chowder House, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Burdine’s Waterfront, Lighthouse Kitchen & Bar, Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, Island Fish Company, El Siboney Overseas
