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Big Cypress Reservation
Location of Big Cypress Reservation in red.
Location of Big Cypress Reservation in red.
Country United States
State Florida
County Hendry County, Broward County
Area
 • Total 81.972 sq mi (212.306 km2)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 591
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Website official website: https://www.semtribe.com/enterprises/big-cypress-reservation

The Big Cypress Reservation is one of six Indian reservations belonging to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is located in southern Florida, in parts of Hendry County and Broward County. This area is part of the Atlantic coastal plain.

The reservation is found south of Lake Okeechobee and just north of a road called Alligator Alley. The Seminole Tribe of Florida's Tribal Council manages the reservation. It is the largest of the five Seminole reservations in Florida. The reservation is also known as Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. It is next to the Miccosukee Indian Reservation in western Broward County.

In 2010, about 591 people lived here. The reservation covers an area of about 82 square miles (212 square kilometers). It even has one of the largest cattle farms in the United States.

Fun Things to Do and See

The Big Cypress Reservation offers exciting activities and places to visit.

Explore the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum (Seminole) P002 crop
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, where you can learn about Seminole culture.

The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum opened in 1997. It teaches visitors about the history and culture of the Seminole people. In 2005, it became the first tribal museum to be recognized by the American Association of Museums (AAM). It is also connected with the famous Smithsonian Institution.

Enjoy Outdoor Events and Rodeos

The reservation has a large area for outdoor events, covering 350 acres. There is also a newly updated rodeo arena. This arena can seat up to 3,000 people. It also has stables for 86 horses.

Visit Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is a large protected area right next to the reservation. It's a great place to see Florida's unique wildlife and natural beauty.

Remembering the Phish Concert

Seminole patchwork shawl
A beautiful Seminole patchwork shawl made by Susie Cypress from Big Cypress Indian Reservation around the 1980s.

The American rock band Phish held a huge concert on the reservation. This event took place from December 30, 1999, to January 1, 2000. About 85,000 people attended this special millennium concert. Phish played many songs, including a long performance that lasted from just before midnight on New Year's Eve until sunrise on January 1, 2000.

Learning and Schools

The Ahfachkee School is a special school on the reservation. It is connected with the Bureau of Indian Education.

Students living in Hendry County attend schools in the Hendry County School District. If you live in Broward County, you would go to schools in the Broward County School District.

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