indian rocks historical museum

I usually love small, quirky museums, but nothing here wowed me. My husband quickly lost interest and waited for me outside. However, I sensed that a lot of love goes into this place on the part of various volunteers.

This place was so interesting, loved the original cottage it's housed in and the lady working was so sweet to answer questions.Loved seeing all the old photos and post cards. It was a great way to spend a cool day inside learning more about the beginings of Indian Rocks.

This little spot has limited hours but packs a wallop if you are able to visit. Locals have worked hard to preserve the history of the area with motel postcards, news clippings, lots of displays, photos and many notebooks to search if you are looking for something specific. It's nice to get a sense of what Indian Rocks used to be. Thanks to everyone for collecting all of these wonderful memories.

I loved all the displays that were there. There was even a portrait of my fiancé with a Tarpon as a small boy on the old Indian Rocks Pier that was destroyed in 1985 by a Hurricane.

Much larger and has a lot of history. Many pictures showing the history of Indian Rocks and the surrounding areas. Mementos of many attractions. Also, a lot of information about the bridges connecting Indian Rocks thru the years.

My family and I were driving down the coast taking in some of the local sights. We pulled in to Chief Chic-A-Si Park (see my review there) where this historical museum is located. I went in the museum with my oldest daughter while mom waited outside with our little ones.We walked in the front door and were warmly greeted by a volunteer and encouraged to sign the guestbook. She immediately began giving us a short tour of the facility. Inside this beach cottage you'll find authentic period furnishings in the days before television, including a living room with an upright piano, kerosene lights, checkerboard, etc. Keep your eyes filled for antiques such as the old wooden box wall phone that was in great condition. Our guide led us through a couple rooms and explained to us what life was like for the original owner of the house back in the 1930s. She had some wonderful stories that were absolutely fascinating (especially about the school bus crossing the old swing bridge!).We didn't stay as long as I would have liked because we knew the rest of the family was waiting for us outside, but we really enjoyed seeing the artifacts plus reading and listening to the history of the building, times and local area.On our way out, our guide gave my daughter a postcard as a small souvenir. I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. This museum is free, but a donation box is available which I encourage you to take advantage of. I love visiting local places like these. We need to keep them alive so they don't disappear. Hours are limited. Museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-2pm.I've included several pictures including both the inside and outside.If you found this review helpful, please let me know by clicking the button below! I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

Came up the Gulf Drive for a ride. Stop in the area for a bite to eat ( good food in the area). Stopped in for a break and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. First the folks here are GREAT. Nice to talk to. Great knowledge of the area. The pictures and displays were well done. I must say I was amazed at what I learned in a short period of time. I will be back with my grand kids. Thank you for the great visit.

My husband and I visited this museum and really enjoyed it. There were so many interesting facts about Indian Rocks Beach that we weren't aware of until we came here. The photos and artifacts were so interesting and very well preserved. This is a great attractions filled with so many interesting facts. ...a must see.

The Indian Rocks Historical Museum is like taking a stroll down memory lane. Everything is well displayed and captures changes and growth that we've seen in Indian Rocks Beach. Very enjoyable!!

If you like history...and you like well done museums that cover local history...then take the time to stop in here.I don't know who put this place together because IRB is not a big place. But it's first class all the way around.The exhibits are well done...very "professional" in the sense that it's not just a bunch of stuff laying around...but professionally presented and displayed.And it's very interesting. Lots of Indian background. Lots of Florida Pioneer stuff. Cool inside (temperature cool)... built in an old historic house from the area. Very clean. Very nice. If you like history you could easily spend 1-3 hours in there.Hours are limited. 10-2 Wednesday through SaturdayIf you live in the area, they do have special events on a regular basis.If you are staying at IRB or close by...it's a great way to spend some time. Located behind some good restaurants. ( Right behind Crabby Bills on Gulf BLvd) so you can combine them. Self guided tours...everything clear and easy. May not always be open on the hours they say because it's staffed by volunteers.And you can turn it into a day trip if you want...about 10 l fun restaurants within a block or two...including Impressive Designs which is a cool store with lots of florida art and they sell florida wine. Also the Holiday Inn next door. Lots to do

It is a quick stop if you are in the area with a few hours to kill. Kid friendly and nice, good location.

The lady who met us at the door has lived in the area most of her life and walked us through, giving us a lot of local stories and history. We really enjoyed her and the museum.Go if you like to know the history of the places you visit.

My wife and I were in town to get married on the beach and were staying at the nearby Holiday Inn Resort. We decided to stop in at the museum on the very day the members were holding their annual meeting. We were graciously allowed in and were invited to stay for a very interesting presentation of the Native history of IRB. We were even invited to partake in their potluck luncheon spread, which we declined due to time constraints. All in all, it was a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours with a bunch of interesting and gracious local members for which we thank you all.

Visited on a rainy day before the sky's cleared for a Phillies spring traing game. Always like to know the history of a place I visit and this is one of the best local museums I have been to. Read each of the displays within an hour. Museum is in the relocated house of a prominent citizen of the town which makes it very interesting. Indian Rocks Beach has an interesting history and is my favorite place in the Tampa Bay area

Great local knowledge about the area. It's free and doesn't take much time. I would visit the museum again.