Indian Key is 10 acres of history and natural vegetation for visitors to explore. Accessible only by boat, this state historic site houses prehistoric native american archeological artifacts. Pirates and Spaniards used to hit Indian Key in the 1700s until it was bought in 1831 by a rich man who started a settlement here. Indian Key even became the Dade County seat at one point. The Second Seminole war in 1840 resulted in deaths and fire destruction of the island, and since that time not many ever returned to live here. Today the island is totally uninhabited except during the day, when visitors come by boat for solitude and to explore the remaining building foundations or immerse themsleves in nature. There are tours from Robbie's Marina which is at MM 77.5 (305) 664-9814. The tours can also go to Lignumvitae Key. There is a fee for the ride, and a small fee for a ranger-led tour of the historic site. Indian Key is "open" from 8am to sundown.