Historic Sites of the Middle Keys

Pigeon Key

More than one hundred years ago, Pigeon Key was the base camp for the construction of the Seven Mile Bridge to connect Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway between Marathon to Duck Key. More than 540 concrete piers were needed to span the longest stretch of open water along the railway connecting the Florida mainland to Key West. The tiny coral island would house as many as 400 workers during the nearly 4 years of construction starting on 1908.

Today the island showcases a few of the original structures used as the base camp and later for bridge maintenance. The museum, dedicated to the builders of the “Railroad that Went To Sea,” displays maps, historic photos, models and a wonderful picture postcard collection of the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad. It also offers a glimpse of what life was like for the railway workers and for those stayed on and  maintained the railroad until 1935, when a hurricane wiped out a major portion of the track in the Islamorada area.

It is reached by an intact section of the original bridge off of Knights Key at the western end of Marathon, which now serves as a biking, hiking and fishing pier.
For a more complete overview of the history, see: History of Pigeon Key. Or visit the island: Pigeon Key tour information.

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center

This wonderful 63 acre property, dedicated to the preservation of the Florida Keys natural habitat and animals, combines nature trails, a natural history museum, historic homes and a wild bird rescue center. 

The museum  showcases the natural and cultural history of the middle Florida Keys area, including Calusa Indians, Spanish explorers and Caribbean pirates,  as well as the “more recent” Bahamian settlers of the late 1800s. There are also exhibits of the offshore coral reefs, tree snails, sea turtles, shells, Key deer and local tropical fish.

In addition to the museum of natural history, there are a couple of historic buildings here, including the Adderley House, the oldest house in the Keys outside Key West and the Cracker House. There is a trolley for those who don't care to walk and guides for those who want more information.

Mile Marker 50.5, Bayside
305-743-9100
Admission Prices: Adults: $12.50
Seniors (65+): $11.00
Children (5-13): $8.50
Children 4 and under: Free
Hours: Mon. to Sat. 9am-5pm Sun. 12pm-5pm

Key Colony Beach Day

Key Colony Beach holds a one day celebration of the city's birthday each March. Sponsored by the Community Association, the one day event offers a variety of vendors, food, and live music. Not to be missed!

Calendar of Events

Visitors and locals alike will find a variety of special events year round. From casting contests to challenge the anglers, luaus, an annual holiday Key Colony Beach Boat Parade to the Murder Mystery Dinners at Crane Point, everyone will find something to do! Check the  Marathon Events Calendar and Key Colony Beach Online Visitors Center for complete details on local events.