Coopertown
Coopertown
Welcome to Coopertown...
Gateway to the Florida Everglades!
See why the Miami Herald has rated us # 1 consecutively for the last 40 years!
As you travel down US 41, 11 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, through the heart of Florida's Everglades, you will come across a friendly little town known as Coopertown.
Coopertown, itself, is home to a population of 8 human residents, a restaurant known for its down-home style frog legs and gator tail, an educational center and the entry point to guided tours into the "real" Florida Everglades aboard the Coopertown Airboat fleet!
About Coopertown
Originally a Seminole Indian Village occupied by Jimmy Osceola and the other simple living Seminoles, Coopertown was founded by John Cooper and has remained with the Cooper family since. Originally from White Oak, Missouri where they came from a large farming family, the three Cooper brothers came to the Tamiami Trail from Melbourne, Florida, looking for better frog hunting in the Everglades.
By 1945, John Cooper had a small frogging boat along the East-West Canal (the Tamiami Trail). Passing motorists noticed it and would ask for a ride in the interesting looking airboat. John obliged. At first it was a few people, but as more and more curious people stopped, John built a small passenger airboat to accommodate them. As the traffic down the Tamiami Trail grew, so did Coopertown.
Johnís brother James T. (Jay) built and opened a Bait & Tackle shop along with a grocery store and gas station. In April, 1967, Edward Williams purchased Jay's Bat & Tackle and then sold it to the National Park in June of 1996. Johnís brother Marion opened a small stand, serving sodas, sandwiches and fresh 'Glades froglegs to the Airboat Tour passengers. Over the years, the stand grew into the Coopertown Restaurant under various local management. In June, 1967, Ellen Curtis leased the establishment and has promoted the now "world-famous" house specialty, Everglades Frog Legs - the platter or the dinner version, if you prefer. Or try the tender nuggets of gator tail. Of course, other "down-home" meals are served, as well as the "best hamburgers in town"! See what else the Coopertown Restaurant has to offer!
Coopertown
22700 S.W. 8th Street
PO Box 940176
Miami, FL 33194
(305) 226-6048
info@coopertownairboats.com
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