The Miami Circle
The Miami Circle
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,751 contributions
Feb 2023
Miami Circle, also known as The Miami River Circle, Brickell Point or The Miami Circle at Brickell Point Site, is an archaeological site in downtown Miami, Florida, that has uncovered the only known evidence of a prehistoric permanent structure cut into the bedrock in the Eastern United States. Located at 401 Brickell Avenue, the site consists of a perfect circle measuring 38 feet of 600 postmolds that contain 24 holes or basins cut into the limestone bedrock, on a coastal spit of land, surrounded by a large number of other minor holes. Discovered in 1998, it is believed to be between 1,700 and 2,000 years old and considerably predates other known permanent settlements on the East Coast. It is believed the site was the location of a structure built by the Tequesta Indians in what was possibly their capital. Although some scholars have questioned its age and authenticity, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2009. Further examination and excavation of the earth has revealed numerous archaeological artifacts ranging from shell-tools and stone axe-heads to human teeth and charcoal and burnt wood from fires, further evidence indicating a presence of ancient habitation. HistoryMiami Museum is the official repository for all of the artifacts recovered from the Miami Circle site. The Tequesta were a tribe who were believed to be primarily nomadic, hunting fish and alligators in the Florida Everglades.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Floridabluemacau
Sebastian, FL371 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
To appreciate this small park I think a visit to HistoryMiami is necessary. Artifacts discovered at the location are now on display in the regional historical museum. The story about how county building ordinances prevented the construction of a waterfront condiminium on the site are heroic for the group that saved the site for an important cultural and historical interpretation of Miami's native people--the Tequesta Indians. On one side is a busy canal next to the drawbridge on Brickell Avenue. To the right is the Viceroy condominium complex--such a sharp contrast in civilazation--then and now. The circle is actually the foundation of a capitol building where the Indians met or carried on with political or community events. Interpretive displays and limestone rocks surround the original circle which is protected underground.
If you go, look for a slip road that parallels Brickell and descends to the river. It is usually flanked by taxis. Turn left immediately off of Brickell in front of the Viceroy and drive down to the park.
If you go, look for a slip road that parallels Brickell and descends to the river. It is usually flanked by taxis. Turn left immediately off of Brickell in front of the Viceroy and drive down to the park.
Written June 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TerriTraveler
Albuquerque, NM716 contributions
Nov 2016
The Miami Circle is a tiny archeological site of huge importance. It is located at the mouth of the Miami River on Brickell Point, in some of the most expensive real estate in Miami. The Miami Circle is estimated to be between 1700 and 2000 years old. Archeologists belive it was built by the Tequesta Indians and it is the only known evidence of a prehistoric permanent structure cut into the bedrock in the Eastern United States,
The site consists of a circle of stones measuring 38 feet with 24 post holes. Around the circle there are a few interpretive signs telling a bit more about the site. The signs are sponsored by the History Miami Museum. The Museum also houses some items from the site and it has more information on the Tequesta Indians and early Miami history. There is no fee to see the Circle itself but the Museum costs $10.
It's easy to get to the Circle. I recommend you first visit the History Miami Museum and learn about the site. I took the Metro Mover to the Museum, closest station is Government center. Next, you can walk to the Circle site, takes about 20 minutes, or you can use the Metro Mover and go from Government Center to Riverwalk Stations. This is very quick maybe 5 minutes ride and the Metro Mover is free.
Once you get off the at the Riverwalk Metro Mover Station, you can walk down to see the lovely river area (near Bijan's restaurant). When you are ready to continue, look for the Hyatt Regency hotel. Go up into the hotel and out the front door, turn right to walk over the Brickell Bridge.
The bridge has sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. In the middle on the Ocean side is a statue of a Tequesta Indian. If you want to see the statue on the same side, cross the street as you exit the hotel to get to the ocean side of the walkway. This bridge is a drawbridge so you may have to wait for a few minutes to cross but it's fun to see the bridge lift for boat trafffic to cross. There are many lovely boats along the water to see.
When you cross the bridge, go left toward the Icon hotel and down toward the water. You will see the Circle to your right out on the point. It is small really and is dwarfed by the massive buildings around it but worth the time to visit. You can read the signs about the site and continue to walk to your right around the point.
You'll get a view of Brickell Key across the water. If you keep walking around the Icon and turn right at the grassy area, you may see the Brickell family crypt. Evidently no one is actually buried there. You are also near the Frist Prebyterian Church which has some interesting history if you are interested in relgion.
From this area you are pretty close to the Shops at Mary Brickell Village. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there. The shops are about a 7 minute walk from the Brickell Station which has both Metro Rail (fee for service) and Metro Mover transporation systems. You can also catch the Miami Trolley from the Brickell station area. From the Riverwalk Metro Mover Station to the site and on to the Brickell station is about a 30 minute walk.
The site consists of a circle of stones measuring 38 feet with 24 post holes. Around the circle there are a few interpretive signs telling a bit more about the site. The signs are sponsored by the History Miami Museum. The Museum also houses some items from the site and it has more information on the Tequesta Indians and early Miami history. There is no fee to see the Circle itself but the Museum costs $10.
It's easy to get to the Circle. I recommend you first visit the History Miami Museum and learn about the site. I took the Metro Mover to the Museum, closest station is Government center. Next, you can walk to the Circle site, takes about 20 minutes, or you can use the Metro Mover and go from Government Center to Riverwalk Stations. This is very quick maybe 5 minutes ride and the Metro Mover is free.
Once you get off the at the Riverwalk Metro Mover Station, you can walk down to see the lovely river area (near Bijan's restaurant). When you are ready to continue, look for the Hyatt Regency hotel. Go up into the hotel and out the front door, turn right to walk over the Brickell Bridge.
The bridge has sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. In the middle on the Ocean side is a statue of a Tequesta Indian. If you want to see the statue on the same side, cross the street as you exit the hotel to get to the ocean side of the walkway. This bridge is a drawbridge so you may have to wait for a few minutes to cross but it's fun to see the bridge lift for boat trafffic to cross. There are many lovely boats along the water to see.
When you cross the bridge, go left toward the Icon hotel and down toward the water. You will see the Circle to your right out on the point. It is small really and is dwarfed by the massive buildings around it but worth the time to visit. You can read the signs about the site and continue to walk to your right around the point.
You'll get a view of Brickell Key across the water. If you keep walking around the Icon and turn right at the grassy area, you may see the Brickell family crypt. Evidently no one is actually buried there. You are also near the Frist Prebyterian Church which has some interesting history if you are interested in relgion.
From this area you are pretty close to the Shops at Mary Brickell Village. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there. The shops are about a 7 minute walk from the Brickell Station which has both Metro Rail (fee for service) and Metro Mover transporation systems. You can also catch the Miami Trolley from the Brickell station area. From the Riverwalk Metro Mover Station to the site and on to the Brickell station is about a 30 minute walk.
Written December 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arielfl
Coconut Creek, FL1,604 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
At 38 feet the Miami Circle may be one of the most important archaeological finds in North America. It is located on the bank where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay. Property developer Michael Bauman purchased the land the circle sits on for 8.5 million dollars. In 1998 he tore down an existing standing apartment building on the site in anticipation of replacing it with a luxury condominium. According to City of Miami historic preservation code requirements Bauman was required to have a survey done on the property before the new structure could be built which he was somewhat reluctant to do. Bob Carr, then Director of the Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Division pressed the issue and he over saw the team that scoured the area. During the investigation the team discovered holes cut into the limestone bedrock. Upon further examination 24 holes were discovered cut into the limestone. Further excavation revealed artifacts consisting of shell tools, stone ax heads, and human teeth. These items now reside in HistoryMiami Museum. Bauman wanted to still proceed with his construction project and offered to have the circle moved. This idea was supported by Miami mayor Joe Carolla. Opposition to moving the circle grew among the Native Americans and archaeologists. The first person hired to move the circle quit when they decided it was no longer the right thing to do. Pressure grew on Bauman to sell the property to the state of Florida and he eventually did so netting an 18.2 million dollar profit. Money to purchase the circle was provided by grants and donations.
The prevailing theory is that the site of the circle was used by the Tequesta Indians. You can see one of their burial mounds in Pompano at Indian Mound Park that I have previously reviewed.
Wood found at the circle was sent for dating and came back to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old. There is doubt as to whether the circle itself is actually that old. Not much is known about the Tequesa since the last of their people died out in the 1800's. It is believed that the circle may have been the site of a council house.
Today the area around the circle has been turned into a park. The circle itself is 85 percent intact and safe under the dirt. You can see it's outline from the ground. Signs explaining the importance of the area have been added. There is no parking at this site which is a problem if you want to get out of your car and see the site. You risk having your car towed if you attempt to park. It is also difficult to find. You have make a turn like you are pulling into a hotel and cross the hotels traffic until you can make it down a difficult to see side street. All of the aggravation to find the circle is worth it once you step foot on this important historical site and take in the same view of the water that the ancient people did thousands of years ago.
The prevailing theory is that the site of the circle was used by the Tequesta Indians. You can see one of their burial mounds in Pompano at Indian Mound Park that I have previously reviewed.
Wood found at the circle was sent for dating and came back to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old. There is doubt as to whether the circle itself is actually that old. Not much is known about the Tequesa since the last of their people died out in the 1800's. It is believed that the circle may have been the site of a council house.
Today the area around the circle has been turned into a park. The circle itself is 85 percent intact and safe under the dirt. You can see it's outline from the ground. Signs explaining the importance of the area have been added. There is no parking at this site which is a problem if you want to get out of your car and see the site. You risk having your car towed if you attempt to park. It is also difficult to find. You have make a turn like you are pulling into a hotel and cross the hotels traffic until you can make it down a difficult to see side street. All of the aggravation to find the circle is worth it once you step foot on this important historical site and take in the same view of the water that the ancient people did thousands of years ago.
Written May 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TourGuide-Manager
Miami, FL224 contributions
Apr 2016
The Miami Circle is a 2000 year old archaeological site that was discovered in 1998 during a routine archaeological survey. The meaning of the carved stone circle remains a mystery but connects us to the people who inhabited this area until the arrival of the Europeans in the 1500s.
Written July 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FTMDave
Adria, Italy6,738 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
On the one hand it was good to visit somewhere steeped in history in Miami, and a recognition of the native American people.
On the other hand there isn't a great deal to see. The area is a park with two of the lawns being circular to match the archeological remains.
On the other hand there isn't a great deal to see. The area is a park with two of the lawns being circular to match the archeological remains.
Written May 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aimee A
89 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
It was nice to see a place like this that takes you back to prehistoric era, surrounded by bustling downtown Mismi and all the modernism it represents.
Written September 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
masoares
Rio de Janeiro, RJ606 contributions
Jan 2020
This is an area of Downtown Miami which has been preserved as an archeological site, where remaints of the earliest Miami peoples were found. Now it is a park and promenade, with trees and benches by the Miami river. There is a small kid's area where kids leaving school relax a bit.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sayeed C
Dhaka City, Bangladesh831 contributions
Sep 2019 • Family
A wee place but lots of history and archeology. A circle in a small park, surrounded by highrise buildings. Fascinating reading of the signposts. Glad that the people could preserve this significant historical site from the predators.
Written September 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam A
New York City, NY108 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Incredible story about the preservation of this ancient landmark, as told in the bilingual signs around the area. High rises tower over this ancient site, but the past still remains. An important part of native Miami history!!
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Miami Circle
- Hotels near The Miami Circle:
- (0.06 mi) W Miami
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- Restaurants near The Miami Circle:
- (0.08 mi) Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Miami
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- (0.11 mi) The Capital Grille
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The Miami Circle Information
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