SEMINOLE REST

By  Mike Miller May 20, 2025

Seminole Rest, tucked in along the western shore of Mosquito Lagoon in Oak Hill, Florida, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Part of the Canaveral National Seashore, this site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Timucua people and the area's subsequent historical developments.

Seminole Rest is a National Historic Site encompassing several prehistoric shell mounds, notably the Snyder Mound, which rises approximately 13 feet and spans over five acres.

Seminole Rest, Instone House

These mounds, primarily composed of quahog clam shells, were created by the Timucua people between 770 and 1100 AD, with evidence of habitation dating back to 2000 BC .

The site's serene environment, overlooking Mosquito Lagoon, provides a peaceful setting for reflection and exploration.

The shell mounds at Seminole Rest are remnants of the Timucua people's daily life, serving as refuse heaps that have endured for centuries.

I don't know why this site is not called Timucua Rest because the Seminoles came along many years after the Timucua.

Artifacts such as pottery shards and shell beads unearthed during archaeological excavations reveal insights into their culture and practices .

In the late 19th century, the area became home to settlers who constructed the Instone House atop the mounds, integrating the site's prehistoric significance with more recent history.

Recognizing its cultural value, the Snyder family donated the property in the 1990s, leading to its preservation under the National Park Service .

Seminole Rest is located at 211 River Road, Oak Hill, FL 32759. The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.  The Instone House is usually only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

Admission is free and you can enjoy a half-mile accessible trail, picnic areas, restrooms, and a kayak launch.

WEBSITE FOR SEMINOLE REST