Skunk Ape Research Headquarter — Attraction in Everglades City

Cryptozoologists and casual Bigfoot enthusiasts alike will love this roadside attraction that’s dedicated to the swampy version of the legendary animal. The skunk ape is a cryptid living in the swamp, often seen hiding in cypress trees. Much like his cousin Bigfoot, he’s an elusive dude.

The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters has everything you need to become an expert on the subject: guide books about the elusive bipedal creature, statues of him, a gift shop, and even live reptiles you can see in the back (are they his food? Nobody knows).

This was my second visit to the headquarters and I’m pleased to report it’s become even more of a roadside wonder. Between the in-grassy water (perfect for photos!) statues (multiple!) of the skunk ape, gifts galore, branded hot sauces, and tshirts with his face on them, you’re sure to have your fill of tantalizing tourist trap energy.

The Everglades doesn’t have any other cryptid attractions, making the skunk ape headquarters truly unique. It’s mostly a nice gift shop with apparel, but it also has some skunk ape research elements including a footprint, books all about the skunk ape, and kind employees who love discussing the elusive creature.

As an added bonus, they have some clothes and gifts from freehand goods which is a Florida-based company that designs high quality items themed to the swampy sunshine state. I love that the gift shop here has some of these locally designed goods!

If you’re a lover of kitsch, cryptids, roadside attractions, or logo-loaded baseball caps, this is an...

The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida is one of the state’s most delightfully bizarre roadside attractions—a must-stop for cryptid lovers, curious travelers, and anyone with a taste for the weird. Tucked deep in the Everglades along the historic Tamiami Trail, this quirky outpost is dedicated to Florida’s legendary swamp-dwelling creature: the Skunk Ape, often described as Bigfoot’s Southern cousin with a serious odor problem.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of cryptozoology memorabilia, plaster footprint casts, tie-dye shirts, and photographic “evidence” collected by founder Dave Shealy, who’s been chasing the creature for decades. The building itself feels like a mash-up of a natural history museum and your eccentric uncle’s garage—green ceilings, wooden shelves, and a life-sized hairy statue out front that greets visitors like a swampy sentinel.

Reviews are mixed but mostly positive, with a 4.1-star rating on Tripadvisor. Some visitors call it a fun, offbeat detour with charm and character, while others find it underwhelming if you’re expecting a full-blown museum. Either way, it’s a slice of Old Florida roadside culture that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of the magic.

If you're ever cruising through the Everglades and spot a shaggy figure lurking in the sawgrass, well… you’ve either found the Skunk Ape or just wandered too far from the gift shop. Want to dive deeper into Florida’s cryptid lore or plan a full Everglades adventure around it?...

Let’s it employees harass customers and non customers,say the most heinous things. I’ll be reaching out to some local news outlets as well about this place and the very awful people who work here. Unprofessional and distasteful. I can’t even imagine how they regularly treat elderly people if this is their standard and condone this behavior of violence on people with disabilities and age on them. Sickens me to my core that his only concern is legal status when they are elderly and blind bring violently beat. Then to harass young women on their personal pages? No words. Get your employees in check

Context: I said it’s not cool to drag a blind old man across cement no matter what.

Update: hour later he’s still commenting on my posts and now harassing my family members! This is really who you guys choose to hire?

7:20am and he suddenly deleted them but to be frank I don’t think this is appropriate for your park and the employee should be delt with and fired. I can’t imagine how many young women he’s harassed and stalled this way. I just got a call from my mother who is extremely confused and concerned as to why a grown man was harassing me and saying sexually explicit things to me about those around me. Is this what your...