• Purple, yellow, gold and orange sponges and soft corals wave against a turquioise sea.

    Biscayne

    National Park Florida

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  • Elliott Key Harbor and Campground Closed

    Winds, surge and tides associated with Hurricane Sandy caused considerable damage to docks & boardwalk at Elliott Key. The harbor and campground are closed until further notice. University Dock remains open for day use only. More »

Places

Montage of photos of Boca Chita Key, Spite Highway and Stiltsville; end images © Brian Call
 

The history of human endeavor at Biscayne is intimately tied to geography. With almost all of the park covered by water, people were literally and figuratively constrained by the sea. Some lived within those constraints. Most who spent any length of time here adapted to the often-difficult conditions. Others manipulated the land to suit their own needs, and as a result, thrived.

Though little tangible evidence remains from most of these "manipulators," what does remain offers an opportunity to travel back in time and become immersed in Biscayne's special places.

Did You Know?

Pioneer home on Elliott Key

Elliott Key and other islands in Biscayne National Park were settled under the Homestead Act of 1862. This law gave free land to settlers willing to live on and farm a piece of land for five years. The main crops planted here were pineapples and key limes.