While driving through the Florida Everglades, I saw a large Bigfoot statue on the side of the road. We drove by it without thinking too much of it but I couldn't just pass up the photo opportunity so we made the first U-turn I could make and backtracked to check out this funky, little place. Let's be honest here. It is a tourist trap through and through but if you don't like Bigfoot, you obviously have no joy in life. Just keep driving bub. Now, I'm not a local but I know plenty about the Skunk Ape. Bigfoot's smelly cousin basically. I've seen the interesting pictures (some are more believable than others) and I usually stay away from any story that starts with "It was a very dark night and I was stumbling home from the bar... But hey, I've seen the Patterson Gimlin Film and you cannot convince me that that is a man in a monkey suit. You can see the muscles of that creature move while it walks! But I digress, back to the Skunk Ape HQ. We stopped for three things: to snoop, to poop, and to shop for a souvenir (can't think of another oop, damn). The gift store has quite the selection of Skunk Ape and Bigfoot memorabilia to look through - t-shirts, stickers, mugs, stuffies, and a very oddly illustrated book about Goldilocks and the Three Squatches. The bathroom had some interesting articles clipped out from local newspapers about sightings in the area and even a flier for an upcoming Bigfoot hoedown. There was another one about Bigfoot stealing someone's girlfriend. Interesting. There is a small reptile zoo that you have to pay extra for and we decided to skip it and get back on the road. This place is also a rustic campsite, so if you are really serious about meeting the big, stinky fella, that is probably the best way to it. Just make sure you don't become the big guy's next hostage or snack, whatever those things decide to do with us. I've seen Harry and the Henderson's - I bet that camping trip would be tight. Anyways, I bought a sticker to put on my cooler. Oh, and yes we did snap a few pictures of that statue. Maybe one day I will drag the family back here and we will go hollering for some Squatches. Who knows, I might just get some pictures and video and you will all say - Hey, that's the guy that wrote the Yelp review about the Skunk Ape that one time... Yeah, that would be pretty rad. read more

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Wonderful place to visit! This place is a fun road side stop! Tons of things to look outside as well as inside! The gift shop is well stocked with assorted wear and trinkets. Plus there's a reptile museum inside! The outside has a huge skunk ape plus there's a giant panther and gator to see! Definitely a must stop road side attraction! read more

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Nestled in the heart of Big Cypress Preserve is the offbeat Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, a blend of roadside attraction and zoo. This unconventional stop provides an entertaining experience for visitors seeking something different. The skunk ape is a mythical Florida humanoid creature that lives in the swamp. The skunk ape takes its name from the unpleasant odor it gives off. It has been described as a mixture of skunk, wet dog, and rotting eggs. The Seminoles called them Esti Capcaki translating as tall man. The earliest published report of a Skunk Ape was in 1942 in Suwannee County, east of Tallahassee, when a man claimed that a swamp ape hitched a ride on the running board of his car for nearly a half a mile before jumping off into the woods. In 1957, a swamp ape was spotted by three hunters in their camp in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Sightings peaked in the 1970s as residential construction began encroaching on their habitat, driving them further into the Everglades. The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters was founded by Dave Shealy who saw a Skunk Ape in 1973 at nine-years-old while deer hunting with his brother, Jack, in the Big Cypress National Preserve. "It was walking across the swamp and my brother spotted it first," Shealy recalled, "But I couldn't see it over the grass. I wasn't tall enough. My brother picked me up, and I saw it, about a hundred yards away. It looked like a man, but completely covered with hair." Shealy claims that there are seven to nine skunk apes living in the Everglades today. The Skunk Ape Research headquarters is not a very large attraction. Inside is a small zoo featuring mainly reptiles. The gift shop carries an array of skunk ape-themed merchandise, from t-shirts to novelty items, making it a fun place to pick up unique souvenirs. For an offbeat adventure and a chance to explore the mystery of the skunk ape, this roadside attraction in Ochopee, Florida, is worth a stop. read more

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In the center of the Florida everglades lurks a strange and legendary creature called the Skunkape. Like Bigfoot, he is massive and elusive, and if you are lucky to spot him, that's pretty awesome. This off-the-beaten-path roadside attraction is a little bizarre and just too fun. It's a tribute to the Skunkape, with fun photo opportunities, T-shirts and swag for sale, and also some real life everglades snakes and gators for you to see (and maybe touch). My whole family loved it! It was an awesome 30-minute stop on a day filled with Florida swamp fun, balancing out an airboat ride at Wooten's and lunch in Everglades City at the Rod & Gun Club. read more

Right off the Timaimi Trail...Also the office for the campground. Can't miss it with the large oversized animal figures in the front. They have a reptile zoo behind the store. It is free if you stay In the campground. Animals are well kept and the large python is HUGE!' Store is loaded with souvenirs as well as stores about the area. They do offer swamp tours and kayak experiences. read more

We were at the Big Cypress National Preserve between Naples and Miami. One of side attraction is the David Shealy's Skunk Ape Research Headquarter. The Skunk Ape also known as swamp cabbage man, swamp ape, stink ape, Florida Bigfoot, sasquatch is a humanoid creature that claimed to inhibit part of Florida. Of course, it is known for its unpleasant odor as well. Some claim they resemble the legendary Yeti. While many do not believe in Skunk Ape but David Shealy and many genuinely and truly believe the skunk Ape are real with video and photographic evidence. Reports of Skunk Ape sighting were common in 60's and 70's. Skunk Ape Research Headquarter is located by the entrance to Trail Lakes Campground, Everglades Adventure Tours, Kayak Rental. It is a gift shop and, in the back, there is little zoo with a giant reticulated python, as well alligators. A few birds and parrots outside. We stop in, check it out. The little zoo is normally $6 for adult but today there is free admission because it is under renovation! One disappointment, there is no information sign or written material about Skunk Ape Research Headquarter. BTW, National Parks Service says the creature doesn't exist. Nevertheless, stop by and enjoy the spirit of Skunk Ape. Buy a snack or souvenir and have fun! read more

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One of the remaining eccentric Florida roadside attractions. Recommend by Dave Barry in his Florida Man book, for good reason. It's nowhere close to the scale of Gatorland and Weeki Warchee, two other top picks, but has lots of charm . Located next to the fabulous Clyde Butcher gallery on one side and the smallest US Post Office on the other. read more

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters - Ochopee Post Office - Local Flavor Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

Visiting the Everglades? This is a must for only $6. This is what Florida/Everglades is about. Best touristy thing to do on RT-41. read more

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A friend recommended this place and we decided to pull in while on a van trip last winter and check it out ourselves. It was just as awesome as she said! Dave gave us a personal tour of the exotic zoo and gave us a total history lesson of the Everglades too. We ended up staying for two nights unexpectedly and have been back numerous times for their music festivals and events! A true family-owned and operated gem! The campground is beautiful and the chickee huts are super amazing! 10/10 will be back! read more

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters - Local Flavor Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

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Kitschy, quirky stop off out in the everglades. Lots of fun statues to take pictures of and/or with, there is also a gift shop featuring skunk ape memorabilia and Florida-themed products ranging from alligator claw back scratchers to recipe books to gator jerky, candy and more. The Reptile "Zoo" was a bit overpriced for what you get, but it's a tourist trap - so you knew you were getting taken when you walked in the door. There were reptiles, most notably a gigantic reticulated python, as well as an alligator in a pond staring at you through a big floor-length window, but other than the 'gator and the python, it wasn't much more exciting than a well-stocked pet store. There were also a few (very talkative) parrots outside. We chatted with them for a bit and had fun! Stop in, check it out, buy a snack or something, get in the spirit of things and have fun. We paid for the zoo to support them, but will likely opt out on future visits. read more

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Stopped here when it was pouring rain to try and see some wildlife. They have snacks and drinks in the gift shop. Did the tour in the back with their animals. It was so much fun. The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. My husband and I had a great time playing with the birds, turtle and snakes and checking out the other animals. Petting that huge ticklish snake(anaconda?) was so cool. My hub didn't want to pay the 12 dollars a person but I did anyway and went in. We were both really glad we did. Definitely a must see when you're out bumming around on a rainy day! read more

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A fun experience. Lots of cool animals and snakes. Gift shop was full of cool stuff like stickers and shirts. They had a huge snake out back, enormous. Many other snakes too. A large alligator also. There was no tour of the back, we just wondered around. Some birds in cages too. There was no explanation of the skunk ape and we didn't learn anything really about it. It was kinda sad, but quirky like a roadside attraction. read more

Quintessential "Flori-DUH" at it's finest!!!! No trip through the Everglades is complete without a photo stop and chat about all things "Squatch" with the overly enthusiastic and passionate proprietor's. Lot's of kitschy souvenir's to be the envy of all your redneck friends. I LOVE this place! read more

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Fun place to stop! Beware, the Skunkape is real..... Anything from t shirts to skunkape hunting permits. You have one if you capture one of these creatures! Only kill if your life is in danger.... read more

This place is a hidden gem. My family stopped in on a lark as we passed it by on the highway. We had no genuine interest in whatever the SkunkApe is but what we found was a place filled with old Florida charm and a staff person who took the time and effort to treat my family to a patient, in-depth tour of their small menagerie of swamp-dwelling animals and exotic birds. My kids got to hold snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and to interact with all variety of birds -- all in the most unpretentious environment you'll find. It was a real treat for my whole family to discover this place and spend an hour there. A part of me is reluctant to praise it b/c if it got too popular, it would be ruined. This is the sort of spot a smart traveler hopes to discover while on vacation in Florida. You won't find it in your standard write-ups of south Florida. You just need to keep your eyes open (to find it) and your mind open (to experience it). Way better than the neighboring airboat rides charging 10x more money. read more

This place is a hidden gym!! The staff and owner were phenomenal. There is a boutique type animal sanctuary in the back of the building that has some monster snakes big enough to make anyone cringe and a couple large Crocs. The owner was kind enough to go out and move the crocs around a bit so the kids could get a better view. If you are anywhere near the SkunkApe headquarters you have to stop in! read more

Today was our second time visiting. Still a great roadside attraction! Lots of native Florida wildlife and personable, Friendly staff! You definitely get a hands on experience with the animals. Will be back here again and again! read more

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Great local family run business, family friendly eco adventure tours and wildlife viewing, and campground in the heart of Big Cypress, the Turner river and the Everglades. We'll be looking forward to our next adventure there. read more

While not quite the heart of the Everglades, this place is the soul. Let's Keep Wild Florida Wild. There's already too much development. River of Grass. Baby. River of Grass. Skunk Ape, I know you're hiding in/out there somewhere. And while we're at it, Skunk Ape, let's stamp out invasive species together. When I do finally encounter you in the wild, I expect you to be wearing a nice vest made of the hides of Burmese Pythons. Snazzy. In the mean time I'll have to content myself with this Skunk Ape memorabilia. Mighty nice refrigerator magnet, mighty nice. Gators + Skunk Apes = Allies4Life. Don't you forget it. read more

Super cool and cute. The negative reviews are just ungrateful, miserable people. The biggest python I've ever seen is in the back with other reptiles. The lady at the front running the show is very nice and informational. If you're headed to Miami or Marco; this is a great place to stop. read more

I saw this place on the travel channel. I was hoping for more of a museum-type place, but it was pretty much just a gift shop as far as Skunk Ape goes. In the back there are reptiles and birds if you pay three dollars to go in. It's your chance to hold a baby alligator, which I didn't think I would enjoy--but I have to say it was pretty amazing. They are really beautiful creatures. I don't think I ever would have held one had it not been for this place. There also a few grown gators on the property. If you are looking for strictly Skunk Ape stuff--I'd buy the t-shirt, take a few pictures outside and hit the road! In case you are not Skunk Ape savvy, this is from their website: Skunk Ape is a large hairy, bipedal mammal that calls the Florida Everglades home. They have been spotted as far north as Tallahassee and as far south as Lostman's River. Large adult males reportably weigh in excess of 450 lbs and stand 6 to 7 feet tall. Some believe that this biped is part of the same species as the famed Big Foot. "The smell of a Skunk Ape has been reported to be similar to rotten eggs or methane, possibly because, as some say, they hide in alligator dens filled with swamp gas and rotting animal cadavers. Others speculate that they smell because they never bathe. Maybe it is a combination of both." read more

The concierge at the Marco Island Marriott suggested this place as somewhere we could go to see and hold alligators. We were really glad we went to this place. We were the only people there and we got to see a variety of animals. Rick, our guide was extremely friendly and loved to talk about the animals. As soon as we got in the back area Rick said this a hands on place and it lived up to his comments. Here is a run down of the creatures my 3 year old son got to hold and see: - Alligators - we held the baby 70 week old baby alligator - Snakes - we held a couple of corn snakes - Birds - we held a white cockatoo - Turtles - Rick let my son ride on top of the big turtle. He also was able to feed the turtle some flowers The entire time we were there Rick provided us with information about each of the animals we saw and held. Our group from my son to my dad thought it was great. I agree with the other reviewer that it was the best money I spent the whole trip. To top off the trip, Rick told us where we could see alligators in the wild so that was an added bonus. When we're in Florida next year we'll be sure to stop back. read more

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters - Local Flavor Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

Yep.. It's one of those places you just have to stop. Weather or not you believe in the Southern Florida version of Sasquatch known as the Skunk Ape you still have to grab the wheel of your car and make a stop at this little roadside america attraction. It has all the strange little roadside things you want to buy and can't figure out why such as: T-Shirts, Mugs, Stickers, Patches etc. The HQ also offers a small zoo in the back of the shop for a fee. Overall this place is packed with Southern Florida Charm, and is a must stop while heading through the Big Cypress National Preserve on Route 41. read more

I wonder how many people drive by this place and never even consider stopping. Their loss. This is old Florida - old swamp Florida, to be specific - at its best. We were in Ochopee - about 2 hours from home - for an event at the Big Cypress Gallery. Since I knew it wouldn't be a full-day event, we looked for other things to do nearby, and came upon the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters. It's really little more than the store for the attached campground - it has some convenience-store type items and kitschy souvenirs, including skunk ape t-shirts (skunk apes are the Florida Everglades version of Bigfoot). But the real fun for us was the animal exhibit. At $5 for adults and $3 for kids 6-16, we thought we'd give it a look. Best $16 we spent on the whole trip. Rick - the animal guy who was working when we were there - is very excited to show you his critters. And it's not an "I can't let you touch the animals" kind of place - he wants you to interact with them. We held a baby gator, first off. Then we watched him feed his snapping turtle (it actually got his finger a bit). He played with it a bit, but clearly understood what it could do. Two of us had a 12-foot Burmese python across our shoulders while we posed for pictures (which, I might add, were taken with our own cameras - no theme park photographers and expensive prints here!). We held a Chilean rose tarantula, a cockatoo, and my daughter, of course, made friends with the kitten. There are a lot of other snakes and birds - including an 18 1/2 foot reticulated python - and it's a whole lot of fun. Florida's so much more than Orlando and beaches. The theme parks are fun, but if you take the time to seek out places like this - which, admittedly, are off the beaten path - you'll have experiences unlike most of the millions of other folks who visit each year. If you find yourself crossing the southern end of the state on Tamiami Trail, take an hour and stop in Ochopee to see this place. read more

Took my family, sisters, nieces, nephews and brother in laws to this Florida treasure after almost 7 years of talking about it. This place is great for a daytime adventure. The young lady in the gift shop and the gentleman that gave us a tour of the animals out back were both great! They were polite and friendly and really took the time to make us feel welcomed. We will definitely go back and will try the guided glades tour. This place was well worth the wait. read more

You can really touch a baby alligator, a giant snake, parrot etc. It was an awesome experience!

Owner of all the reptiles and birds was very knowledgable and patient with out children. Impressive snakes. Very much enjoys this experience and would recommend to others with children. Very reasonable priced read more