What happened Egmont Key?
Egmont Key was occupied by military forces several times in the course of its history. At the end of the Third Seminole War (1855 – 1858), the United States Army detained Indian prisoners here including, it is believed, the well-known Billy Bowlegs.
What is Egmont Key known for?
Accessible only by boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood 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.
How much does it cost to go to Egmont Key?
free
Egmont Key State Park Egmont Key is open 365 days a year from 8am until sunset. Egmont Key is free to enter as a state park, and there are no admission fees for the state park itself. There are fees to access the island via ferry if you do not arrive via private boat transportation.
Can you climb Egmont Key Lighthouse?
You can’t go into the lighthouse and there aren’t any public restrooms. It’s an abandoned fort. There are just ruins around. You need to bring your own drinks as well.
What happened to Fort Dade?
Dade, 4th U.S. Infantry, who was killed along with his entire command by hostile Seminole Indians 28 Dec 1835. Abandoned in 1923 and put into caretaker status but reactivated during World War II. Permanently abandoned in 1946.
Who owns Egmont Key?
Egmont Key is one of the three ‘Tampa Bay Refuges’, along with Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge, and the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, that was administered as a part of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex but changed to the Crystal River Complex headquartered in Crystal River, Florida.
Can you stay on Egmont Key?
But be prepared, because while plenty of people may be on the island, Egmont Key is remote. It has no cars, no drinking water and no bathrooms. You must arrive by boat and, no, you can’t camp overnight.
Can you rent kayaks at Fort Desoto campground?
Kayaking St. Petersburg, Florida’s Fort Desoto Park. The Topwater Kayak Outpost at Fort Desoto Park offers canoe and kayak rentals to both newbies and experienced paddlers. You can rent sit-on-top kayaks, which are easier to get on and off, or sit-in kayaks with recessed cockpits that lower your center of gravity.
Are there dolphins at Fort Desoto?
Swimming with Dolphins at Fort De Soto. My kids got their first close encounter with wild dolphins and it was far better than any ring side seat a marine park could offer. It was just us and the dolphins- and boy did they put on a show! We took a day trip to Fort De Soto (Florida).
Can you take your own boat to Egmont Key?
The only way to enjoy the island is by owning a boat or visiting via a ferry. There are a few companies that offer ferry service to Egmont but probably the most popular is the Egmont Key Ferry that originates from Ft. De Soto State Park.