by Reverend Dr Bob N. Wallace | Everglades Community Church
Located just 35 miles north of Everglades City, the town of Immokalee is right in the heart of Florida farm country. Immokalee means “My Home” in Miccosukee. The Miccosukee tribe was, and still is, located in Florida. They are a Southeast Indian Tribe that was displaced during the Seminole Wars in the 19th century.
In Immokalee, you will find the Immokalee State Farmers’ Market, an outdoor drive-through market with various vendors selling fresh produce and fruits in bulk. Located at 114 New Market Rd W in Immokalee, Florida 34142, it can be contacted by phone (239-657-3020) for pricing, hours, and directions. You can drive through and stop at various vendors selling fresh produce and fruits. Most items you buy are in bulk. Since much of the communication is in Spanish, it’s recommended to get a language app on your cell phone before you go. Most of the reviews say they love the place!
After loading your car with fresh produce straight from the farm, you can enjoy many other attractions in Immokalee. Try your luck at the Seminole Casino and Hotel or learn about local history at the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch. This 15-acre property was once part of more than 160,000 acres of ranchland—one of Florida’s largest. The museum features 20 preserved and restored historical buildings, giving visitors a glimpse of pioneer ranching life a century ago.
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Nature lovers will enjoy Lake Trafford, a hidden gem spanning 1,500 acres of natural beauty in the Corkscrew Watershed. It’s a haven for fishing, birding, and photography. Alligators are guaranteed on an airboat adventure into the swamp! Nearby, the Pepper Ranch Preserve offers nearly 18 miles of seasonal trails for hiking, off-road biking, and horseback riding along the shores of Lake Trafford.
For a closer look at Southwest Florida’s natural ecosystems, explore the CREW Marsh Trails, featuring five miles of interconnected loops through pine flatwoods, seasonal ponds, sawgrass marshes, and shady oak hammocks. Two boardwalks and an observation tower provide unique vantage points across the 5,000-acre preserve. The larger CREW system includes over 30 miles of recreational trails, such as the Cypress Dome Trails, Bird Rookery Swamp, and Flint Pen Strand.
The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1989 under the Endangered Species Act, is another must-see. This refuge protects the endangered Florida panther and other threatened species in the upper segment of the Fakahatchee Strand of the Big Cypress Swamp. The Florida panther is the only cougar population found east of the Mississippi River.
Lastly, motorsport enthusiasts can visit the Immokalee Regional Raceway. Although the raceway will close in April 2025 to allow for the expansion of Immokalee Regional Airport, it has been granted another season to operate.
As you can see, there’s so much more to do in Immokalee after you pick up some fresh tomatoes at the Immokalee State Farmers’ Market!
