Ole Indian Trading Post & Museum
Smallwood Store
Established in 1906 by Ted Smallwood, this historic trading post served the pioneers and Seminole Indians of Chokoloskee Island. Now preserved as a museum, it stands as a living testament to Florida's frontier heritage.
A Living Piece of History
Over a Century of
Florida Heritage
Established in 1906, the Smallwood Store & Trading Post served the remote and isolated area of Chokoloskee Island, buying hides, furs, and farm produce in exchange for needed goods. It was the lifeline for pioneers and Seminole Indians alike — a place to trade, gather mail, and connect with the outside world. Today, this is not a museum where you reproduce history — it is where history actually happened.
National Register
Since 1974
Living Museum
Original Artifacts
Est. 1906
Over 100 Years
The store interior, preserved with original goods and fixtures
Ted Smallwood Arrives
C.S. "Ted" Smallwood came to Chokoloskee Island as a permanent settler, drawn by the remote beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands.
The Trading Post Opens
Ted became postmaster and opened his trading post, serving pioneers and Seminole Indians with goods, supplies, and mail service.
The Store is Built
Smallwood built the general store building that still stands today, raised on stilts above the waters of Chokoloskee Bay.
National Historic Register
The Smallwood Store was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance to Florida's frontier history.
Reborn as a Museum
Ted's granddaughter reopened the store as a museum, preserving the original goods, fixtures, and artifacts exactly as they were.
Take a Piece of History Home
The Gift Shop
Browse our vast collection of unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and authentic Everglades memorabilia. From Seminole jewelry to vintage-style keepsakes, our gift shop offers treasures you won't find anywhere else.
Handmade Crafts & Apparel
Unique finds from local artisans
Vintage Collectibles
Historical goods & memorabilia
Seminole Crafts
Authentic handmade jewelry, dreamcatchers, and traditional crafts from the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes.
Apparel & Souvenirs
Unique t-shirts, hats, and keepsakes featuring the iconic Smallwood Store designs and Everglades wildlife.
Local Treasures
Florida-made goods, vintage-style signs, local artwork, and one-of-a-kind gifts you won't find anywhere else.
Historical Keepsakes
Books, postcards, and memorabilia that tell the story of the Everglades frontier and pioneer life.
Explore the Waterways
Smallwood Store
Boat Tours
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades waterways just as the early pioneers did. Our boat tours depart right from the historic Smallwood Store, taking you through winding mangrove tunnels, past pristine islands, and into the heart of one of America's most unique ecosystems.
Spot dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, and countless species of birds as you glide through the same waters that Ted Smallwood once navigated. Our experienced captains share the rich history and natural wonders of this extraordinary region.
Visit smallwoodstoreboattour.comExplore the Ten Thousand Islands
DEPARTING FROM THE HISTORIC SMALLWOOD STORE
Mangrove Tunnels
Wildlife Spotting
Island Exploring
"Navigate the same waters that the pioneers and Seminole Indians once traveled — a journey through time and nature unlike any other."
What's Happening
Upcoming Events
No Upcoming Events
There are currently no scheduled events. Check back soon for special gatherings, historical talks, and community celebrations at the Smallwood Store.
FOLLOW US FOR EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Plan Your Trip
Visit the Store
Hours
Dec 1 — May 1
10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Open Daily
May 2 — Nov 30
11:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Friday, Saturday & Sunday Only
Admission
Adults
$5
.00
Children
$5
.00
Location
Address
360 Mamie St
Chokoloskee, FL 34138
The original hours sign on the store wall