Introduction to Marco Island, Florida
Marco Island, Florida, in Collier county, is 45 miles S of Cape Coral, Florida (center to center) and 95 miles W of Miami, Florida. The city is included in the Naples metropolitan area.
Marco Island History
Marco Island in Florida has a very interesting history, stretching back thousands of years. It is said to have been inhabited by Calusa Indians during 4000 B.C. They became extinct by the mid-18th century. The island then remained largely deserted untill 1870, when Captain W.T. Collier and his family settled here. His son, Bill Collier, helped attract more people to the island by streamlining its clamming industry. In the 1920s, most of the island was purchased by Barron G. Collier, but he wasn’t able to develop it due to the Great Depression. In 1962, the Mackell brothers purchased and developed it into a resort island. Marco Island was incorporated in 1998.
Marco Island and Nearby Attractions
- Florida Everglades.
- Cedar Bay Yacht Club.
- Tigertail Beach.
- Cape Romano.
- Isles of Capri Marina.
- Marco Island Marina.
- Marco Island Princess.
- Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Briggs Nature Center.
- Marco Island Trolley.
- Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Wooten's Alligator Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Wooten's Alligator Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Marco Island Trolley.
Marco Island Activities
Residents and tourists have a number of fun activities to choose from. They can laze around on the beach or swim in the azure waters. They can go fishing, boating, windsurfing, shelling or snorkeling. One can also opt for camping, hiking, sea excursions and eco-tours through the Everglades.
Marco Island Transportation
The island is served by the Marco Island airport.
Marco Island Higher Education
Florida Gulf Coast University provides college education opportunities.
