Experiences
Fishing is allowed in designated areas only. These are prime spots for reeling in sea trout, tarpon, snook, grouper and snapper, just to name a few.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, Fishing in Florida.
Walk through the historic ruins of Fort Dade or along the brick paths that remain from the days Fort Dade was an active community with 300 residents.
Gopher tortoises or Florida box turtles can sometimes be seen as you walk the 6 miles of historic paths. Many visitors are treated to the sight of hummingbirds and the seabirds that inhabit the shorebird refuge at the south end of the island.
Amenities
Although this park is primarily a wildlife refuge, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood on the island since 1858.
During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War.
In 1898, as the Spanish-American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923.
Walk through the historic ruins of Fort Dade or along the brick paths that remain from the days Fort Dade was an active community with 300 residents.
Gopher tortoises or Florida box turtles can sometimes be seen as you walk the 6 miles of historic paths. Many visitors are treated to the sight of hummingbirds and the seabirds that inhabit the shorebird refuge at the south end of the island.
