The Bay City Walking Dredge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
The dredge was designed to 'walk' by using a series of massive hydraulic legs to navigate the soft, unstable swamp muck.
The park protects one of the few remaining virgin stands of royal palms in Florida.
The site was historically utilized by the Seminole Indians for shelter and resources during the 19th century.
The park includes the site of the prehistoric Mound Key-like shell midden, indicating long-term indigenous occupation.
It is situated at the northern gateway to the Everglades, bridging the gap between urban Naples and the wild Ten Thousand Islands.
Collier-Seminole State Park is a 7,271-acre preserve located on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, protecting a vast mangrove swamp. The park serves as the site for the historic Bay City Walking Dredge, a unique piece of engineering equipment used in the 1920s to build the Tamiami Trail across the Everglades. Visitors can explore the Blackwater River via canoe or kayak, which provides access to primitive camping areas. The park contains a variety of ecosystems including salt marshes, cypress swamps, and pine flatwoods. An interpretive center details the history of the dredge and the regional environment. A 3.5-mile hiking trail traverses the maritime forest, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife. Boating and fishing are permitted in the park’s designated waterways. The park preserves significant archeological evidence of early human settlement in the region.
The historic Bay City Walking Dredge display, which offers a striking contrast of rusted industrial iron against the lush, green mangrove backdrop.
Bring significant amounts of insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
Rent a canoe or kayak early in the day to minimize exposure to peak afternoon heat and humidity.
Consult the park office for current water levels and trail conditions before heading into the backcountry.
Attempting to hike off-trail or swim in park waters due to the presence of alligators and uneven terrain.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive swamp habitats and follow Leave No Trace principles.
