Crane Point Hammock in Marathon, FL, is a protected 63-acre nature preserve featuring a rare tropical hardwood hammock, the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys, the historic 1906 Adderley House, scenic nature trails, and a panoramic Florida Bay boardwalk. Located near Mile Marker 50, it offers a serene, educational eco-adventure just minutes from your private waterfront home at Keys Cove, our collection of vacation rentals in Marathon, FL.
What Is Crane Point Hammock in Marathon, FL?
Crane Point Hammock is a 63-acre environmental and historic sanctuary located in the heart of Marathon, FL, that preserves one of the last remaining tropical hardwood hammocks in the Middle Keys.
Saved from commercial development in 1989 by the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust, this expansive sanctuary offers visitors an immersive journey into the natural ecology and human heritage of the Florida Keys. In South Florida ecology, the term “hammock” refers to a dense stand of broadleaf trees that grow on elevated hardwood ridges, creating a lush canopy that shelters native wildlife, tropical flora, and historic archaeological sites.
When you step into Crane Point Hammock, you leave the bustle of the Overseas Highway behind and enter an ancient landscape filled with gumbo limbo trees, wild coffee, poisonwood, and rare thatch palms. It serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory songbirds, native reptiles, and marine organisms. For travelers staying nearby at Keys Cove, a morning at Crane Point offers an incredible, multifaceted look at what the islands felt like over a century ago.
Top Landmark: Crane Point Hammock preserves 63 acres of hardwood forest in Marathon, FL, making it one of the largest protected environmental sanctuaries in the Middle Keys.
What Will You Discover at the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys?
The Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys is the cultural centerpiece of Crane Point Hammock, featuring interactive exhibits on local geology, marine life, and indigenous history.
Located near the preserve entrance, the museum introduces visitors to the delicate ecosystems that define Marathon, FL, and the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Inside, you will find fascinating displays detailing the geological formation of limestone reefs, the evolution of local sea life, and the maritime history of early shipwreck salvagers and fishermen.
Highlights of the museum include:
- Ancient Dugout Canoe: A remarkably preserved 600-year-old Native American dugout canoe carved from cypress, providing insight into the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the islands.
- Marine Life Touch Tanks: Interactive saltwater tanks where children and adults can see sea stars, hermit crabs, and other local benthic creatures up close.
- Shipwreck Artifacts: Displays featuring historic pottery, tools, and nautical instruments recovered from Spanish galleons and 19th-century trading vessels.
- Pirate & Wrecking Lore: Detailed historical exhibits illustrating how “wreckers” salvaged cargo from ships grounded on Florida’s outer coral reefs.
Travel tip: The natural history museum is an ideal afternoon escape for families looking to take a break from the midday sun while exploring interactive educational exhibits.
What Is the Historic Adderley House at Crane Point?
The historic Adderley House is a Bahamian-style tabby mortar home built in 1906 by George Adderley, making it the oldest surviving residence in the Florida Keys outside of Key West.
Situated deep within the tropical hammock along a quiet crushed-shell path, the home stands as an enduring monument to early pioneer life in Marathon, FL. George Adderley, a Bahamian immigrant of African descent, settled on the land in the late 19th century with his wife, Olivia. He earned a living harvesting sponges, burning charcoal, and making cordage from native thatch palm fronds.
The house was built with “tabby” mortar—a primitive building material made from burned oyster shells, lime, sand, and water—mixed with local crushed coral rock. This thick, natural masonry allowed the home to withstand over a century of tropical storms and hurricanes. Today, the Adderley House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been carefully restored so guests can step inside to view period-appropriate furnishings and learn about the historic settlement known as Adderley Town.
Top Landmark: The 1906 Adderley House is the oldest existing structure in the Florida Keys outside of Key West, offering an authentic glimpse into pioneer island life.
Which Nature Trails and Bay Boardwalks Should You Explore?
Crane Point Hammock features a network of gentle, shaded walking trails and elevated boardwalks that lead visitors through distinct coastal habitats out to the pristine waters of Florida Bay.
As you meander along the preserved trails, interpretive signage identifies rare plant species and historical features across the estate. The walking routes are flat and easy to navigate, making them accessible for family members of all ages.
| Trail or Feature | Key Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hammock Loop Trail | Dense canopy of gumbo limbo, lignum vitae, and native tropical hardwoods. | Shaded nature walks and native tree identification. |
| Mangrove Boardwalk | Elevated wooden walkway winding through red and black mangrove forests. | Observing fiddler crabs, juvenile fish, and wading birds. |
| Sunset Boardwalk | Expansive wooden pier extending over the shallow waters of Florida Bay. | Panoramic water views, marine spotting, and peaceful photography. |
| Palm Trail | Passes clusters of rare native thatch palms and natural sinkholes. | Botanical viewing and quiet birdwatching. |
The Sunset Boardwalk on Florida Bay is often described as the trail system’s highlight. On the preserve’s quiet northern edge, the boardwalk extends over crystal-clear tidal flats where you can often spot mullet jumping, stingrays gliding across the sandy floor, and egrets wading along the shoreline.
Pro tip: Bring a pair of compact binoculars when walking out to the bay boardwalk to spot osprey nesting in the mangroves and herons hunting in the shallow grass flats.
What Is the Marathon Wild Bird Center at Crane Point Hammock?
The Marathon Wild Bird Center is a non-profit bird rescue and rehabilitation facility located directly on the grounds of Crane Point Hammock.
Dedicated to rescuing, treating, and releasing injured native and migratory birds throughout the Middle Keys, the center cares for hundreds of feathered patients each year. Visitors to Crane Point Hammock can walk through the facility’s educational outdoor enclosure area to view permanently resident birds that cannot be returned to the wild due to permanent injuries.
During your walk through the center, you can see a variety of native species, including:
- Brown pelicans and white ibis
- Broad-winged hawks and red-shouldered hawks
- Great blue herons and double-crested cormorants
- Screech owls and sea gulls
The center provides a powerful educational experience for children, illustrating the importance of coastal conservation, marine trash cleanup, and wildlife protection across the Florida Keys.
How Do You Plan a Visit to Crane Point Hammock During Your Stay at Keys Cove?
Planning a trip to Crane Point Hammock is easy during your stay in Marathon, FL, as the preserve sits near Mile Marker 50 along the Overseas Highway.
Because Crane Point Hammock is located just minutes away from our private waterfront collection at Keys Cove, it makes a perfect morning or early afternoon outing before returning home for a dip in your private pool.
Getting There and Arrival Tips
- Location: Located at 5550 Overseas Highway in Marathon, FL, on the bayside of the island.
- Hours & Fees: Hours and admission rates vary by season; visitors should check current schedule details directly at cranepoint.net before arriving.
- Trail Conditions: Wear comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and eco-friendly insect repellent. Most main trails consist of packed gravel or wooden boardwalks.
- Access via Biking: The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail runs directly along the entrance on Overseas Highway. While bicycles are not allowed on the narrow nature paths inside the hammock, convenient bike racks are located at the main entrance building.
Combine your visit with other popular outdoor activities around The Heart of the Keys, such as spending time on the sand at Sombrero Beach, exploring nearby family attractions, or planning a day trip along the island chain. Discover more ideas in our guide to things to do in Marathon, FL, and start designing your ideal itinerary.
Where to Find Luxury Florida Keys Home Rentals
When planning a getaway to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the Florida Keys, having a spacious, private waterfront home base elevates your vacation experience.
Keys Cove offers an exclusive collection of luxury 4-bedroom waterfront rental homes located at 2264 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 (Mile Marker 50). Designed for families, multi-generational groups, and avid boaters, each home features upscale furnishings, a private swimming pool, a private beach area, and dedicated dockage with a 50A power supply for your boat. On-site Road Buggy rentals are also available to make exploring the island fun and effortless.
Plan your stay in the Heart of the Keys with our helpful planning resources:
- Browse Keys Cove Waterfront Homes
- Explore Marathon, FL Family Vacations
- Where to Stay in the Florida Keys
- Florida Keys Travel Guide
- Things to Do in the Florida Keys
- Explore Local Listings in Our Directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crane Point Hammock family-friendly?
Yes, Crane Point Hammock is exceptionally family-friendly, offering interactive natural history exhibits, touch tanks, gentle walking trails, and educational bird rescue displays that engage visitors of all ages.
How much time should you spend at Crane Point Hammock?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum, walking the shaded nature trails out to the Florida Bay boardwalk, and visiting the historic Adderley House and wild bird center.
Is Crane Point Hammock wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Many primary paths, the natural history museum, and portions of the boardwalk are paved or hard-packed and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some natural dirt trails have mild roots or unpaved terrain.
Are dogs or pets allowed at Crane Point Hammock?
Pets are not permitted on the nature trails or inside museum buildings to protect native wildlife and delicate trail environments, though licensed service animals are welcome.
Where is Crane Point Hammock located in Marathon?
Crane Point Hammock is located at 5550 Overseas Highway around Mile Marker 50 in Marathon, FL, on the bayside of the Overseas Highway.
Can you ride bicycles inside Crane Point Hammock?
Bicycles are not permitted on the preserve’s interior walking trails, but bike racks are available at the entrance building for guests riding the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
