Old Seven Mile Bridge — Attraction in Stock Island

MM 47, bayside. It may sound like I am waxing poetic, but if the FLA Keys has a soul, it is this bridge, affectionately called Old Seven by FLA Conchs. Old Seven started out as part of Henry Flagler's 8th Wonder of the World, a railroad from Miami to Key West. It gained a 2nd life in the 30s when it was converted from rail to road, the Oversea Highway (which I traveled over in the late 70s in our family's 69 VW camper bus). When it was replaced by the newer, more modern bridge in 1982, it still served as a bridge for local traffic to Pigeon Key (another must-see in the Middle Keys), but after years of neglect, it was closed about a decade ago. Fast-forward (and raise millions of dollars) and Old Seven has been reborn! A 2 mile bike and pedestrian bridge once again links Marathon and Pigeon Key. The perfect place for your morning walk or 5K+ (exactly 4 miles there and back), to watch the sun set (directly between the 2 bridges at certain times of the year), or just to get out over the beautiful waters of the Keys (I have spotted sea turtles, nurse sharks, barracuda, and grouper, just to name a few). Do not drive by rushing to KW without a stop...

Wow! Such history!! This very bridge was the artery that connected the Florida Keys to the heart that is the United States mainland. Old locomotives used to thunder atop those iron tracks, their boilers spewing hot steam and smoke as the gorgeous waters of the Florida straits churned below. The verifiable blood cells carrying nutrients from Key West to Miami. You can be a part of this history! One can feel the weight of all those passengers who once traversed this bridge in search of the tropical paradise to the south. It is a gorgeous spot that is perfect for a walk, especially at sunset. Pigeon Key, an old camp for the workers who built the bridge originally, serves as a great rest stop and a fascinating glimpse into what life looked like in the Keys in the early 20th century. I would highly recommend this location to anyone interested in Florida history or just those that can appreciate a got spot to catch the sunset!! I have never seen this location crowded and there is no need to purchase...

Trey need to think of their customers. Went there first time so we knew nothing about it. Very short tour nothing was had ac even rooms with fans where not turned on. Went to gift shop a 19x10 foot room so not much of anything the star we brought thankfully was a little cool. But worst part you can’t leave unless you want to walk at least 2 miles or wait for new people to come to see island. Then you can get on trolley to go back they will not call a trolley to get you. Luck us we got stuck for 3 hours and only that shirt because they were closing. Let’s not forget ven discuss how a 7 year old behaves when they can’t cool off and are extremely bored....