The Smallest Post Office in The US Is An Everglades Gem

For lovers of Old Florida, the Smallest Post Office in the US is an Everglades gem hidden in plain sight!

Parts of Florida may best be known for their theme parks and thrill rides, but some of the best attractions are the unique and quirky roadside gems, many of which are still open for business today.

If you’re like me and love taking the back roads, passing over the brochure attractions in favor of the good stuff you find off the beaten path, there’s a real gem tucked deep in the Florida Everglades you’ll definitely want to see!

I love these places.

Then again, my favorite toy as a kid wasn’t a doll but rather a rubber alligator I begged my parents to buy me when our family road-tripped Florida one year, so there’s that.

But I know I’m not alone.

If you’re looking for some bucket list attractions, this is the road you want to take — the slower route, if you have the time.

It’s always the more interesting and scenic routes where you’ll see the old attractions that time forgot, and find little surprises now and then.

The Smallest Post Office in the US

I’d driven past the small little post office in Ochopee, Florida (pronounced o-CHOP-ee) many times before on my way into the Everglades, even stopped by several times to snap a few pics. 

The tiny structure sits on the main road that snakes through the Glades all the way to Homestead on the other coast and the entrance to the Florida Keys. 

They say it’s The Smallest Post Office in the US, and I believe it.

But so does the USPS so it’s official!

Its tiny size — just 61.3 square feet — resembles one of those miniature tourist attractions. 

This is a must-stop when your Florida road trip brings you straight into the Florida Everglades, or a fun day trip from Naples or Marco Island.

How to Get There

The Ochopee Post Office is located at 38000 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee. From Naples and Marco Island, stay on the Tamiami Trail (Route 41) and head into the Everglades.

The Smallest Post Office in the US is located 4.3 miles east of the Rt. 29/41 intersection at Carnestown.

Did You Know?

The Tamiami Trail runs from Miami west through southwest Florida and all the way up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

It's the old road in Florida that used to get everyone everywhere… the road, like many around the country, that were eventually bypassed by a faster, more efficient highway. 

Yup, It’s Really a Post Office!

A few years back when a friend visited me in Naples, she asked us for suggestions on what to do in Naples.

Among other things, we decided to head to the Everglades one day like we often do when friends and family visit. 

Miles of swampy hiking trails punctuated by an interesting gallery, Indian village, or funky biker bar here and there, it’s always an interesting place to take your tourist friends. 

And as we passed The Smallest Post Office, a loud exclamation from the back seat told us we had to stop for pictures on the way back.

Hours later as we pulled in the parking lot, there were several visitors hanging around taking photos.

The building itself is smaller than an outdoor shed and seems smaller still compared to the tall flagpole next to it. 

We got out of the car and a funny thing happened.

My friend walked over to the Post Office and read the sign on the door, a sign that I’d seen before but never bothered to actually read. 

I wondered what she was doing as she grabbed a small handle, gave it a tug, and slid open the front door. 

 

I thought to myself…What … is she doing? And then the popped open.

Wait...you mean…it actually works?  

But there it was.

A real live Post Office, open for business!

And as she slid open the door, a girl with a surprised look on her face looked up and gave us a friendly “Hello!”  

Postal worker Shannon sat snugly in the only open spot, in a small chair against the wall surrounded by stacks of mail, mail bins, and barely able to move around.

She looked as surprised to see us as we were to see her! 

Shannon graciously took time to answer our questions about the history of the Post Office and even offered a little about herself.

She was born and raised in the Everglades and graduated school (K-12) with ten others. 

She and her husband know everyone in the area and are busy raising a family here.

Her sister-in-law was the former Postmistress before Shannon took the job.

Yes, they get a lot of visitors, but not many who open the door and chat. 

No, we weren’t bothering her at all and thanks for sliding open the door.

Sure, you can take a picture!

What Else Is There to Do in Ochopee?

Mail Your Friends a Postcard

As we walked around the Post Office parking lot, I saw a young couple writing postcards on the hood of their car — postcards of the Post Office itself. 

So buy yourself a couple!

If you fill them out while you’re there, Shannon will be happy to mail them for you, postmarked from The Smallest Post Office in the US, Ochopee, Florida, USA.

Is that a fun souvenir or what!

Visit The Clyde Butcher Gallery

Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery, 52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee

One of the most renowned nature photographers in the country is southwest Florida’s own Clyde Butcher.

His large-format, black and white landscape images are so recognizable and iconically SWFL.

At his gallery in Ochopee, you can not only see and buy his work, you’ll also see the works of other artists who have inspired Clyde and his wife Nicki.

You can also go on an organized Swamp Walk, walk the nature trail that winds through the property, and even stay overnight in one of the bungalows on-site.

Clyde and Nicki lived here in Ochopee until several years ago when they retired to Venice, where they also have a working gallery you can visit.

See Alligators Galore

HP Williams Roadside Park, 12580 Turner River Rd, Ochopee

If you’re looking for a guaranteed gator sighting, the H.P. Williams Roadside Park is the place to go to see the Everglades’ most famous residents.

It’s located just off the Tamiami Trail and never disappoints for good wildlife viewing.

You’ll see alligators, gar, turtles, other native fish species, and wading birds looking for a quick snack.

Have Lunch at Joanie’s

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe, 39395 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee

Just down the road from Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery is a great place to grab lunch or happy hour — Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe.

The bright primary-colored red, blue, and yellow exterior with the big crab will catch your eye, and the old Everglades cabin setting inside will soothe your soul.

The food is good and the beer is cold — help yourself to cold ones from the cooler and keep your caps so they know how many you had when you check out!

Go Kayaking

If you’re longing to immerse yourself in the Everglades, kayaking is one of our favorite ways to do that.

There’s just something about gliding along the calm backwaters, so quiet that all you hear is an airboat in the distance or the natural sounds all around you.

A good place to launch your kayak is at the Turner River kayak launch.

Just park your car and put in for the afternoon.

Go For a Hike

Ochopee is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve, one of southwest Florida’s most pristine natural areas.

There are countless places to go hiking and explore what makes this such an amazing wilderness.

From flat, grassy trails to elevated boardwalks, you’ll find a trail that’s right for you in Big Cypress.

Hiking is best during the winter or dry season (December through April), but the wet season is better for seeing more wildlife from a boardwalk.

***

Merriam-Webster defines “serendipity” like this: “luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for”.

Maybe that’s what we love about the lesser-known hidden gems when we travel.

But it wasn’t luck that we found the door handle, or the door, or the sign on the door of this tiny post office.

I had seem them many times before. I just never thought to open it, confident in my misconception that this was just a tourist attraction.

It was my friend whose curiosity and one small gesture reminded me of something I forget sometimes… go looking.

Kick over some rocks. Slide doors for service. 

 

The next time you visit Naples, Marco Island, or the Florida Everglades, slide the door for service and say hello to Shannon. And send me a postcard!