The Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail combines public art, local history, and marine ecology across the island. Designed as a self-guided walking trail, this outdoor art installation celebrates the community's transformation into Florida’s clam aquaculture capital.
Whether you are looking for things to do in Cedar Key, exploring the Nature Coast, or discovering regional public art, this trail offers a scenic walkthrough of Cedar Key's maritime heritage.
The Story Behind the Trail: From Net Fishing to Clam Capital
During the 1990s, Florida enacted a statewide net-fishing ban that transformed the livelihoods of traditional commercial fishermen. Through retraining initiatives, local fishermen transitioned to hard clam aquaculture in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, Cedar Key's shellfish industry is a cornerstone of the regional economy:
Production Volume: Approximately 150 growers harvest over 100 million clams annually on submerged Gulf land leases.
Market Impact: Cedar Key produces 90% of Florida’s total clam crop.
Ecosystem Services: Clam farming generates local employment, yields a nutritious seafood source, and provides critical water-filtering ecosystem services to the Gulf.
Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail Map & Locations
The trail features 11 uniquely painted giant clam sculptures stationed at community landmarks across the island.
Front of the Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail Guide
# | Sculpture Title | Artist | Location / Address |
1 | Boatload of Clams | Pam Andrews Deas | Chamber of Commerce (450 2nd St) |
2 | Wrap Your Arms around Art | Samm Wehman | Arts Center Sculpture Garden (457 2nd St) |
3 | Glimpse Inside Cedar Key | Samm Wehman | City Park (2nd & A Sts) |
4 | Old Dock Street | Mike Seagle | 1st & C Streets |
5 | Anatomy of a Clam | Emily Colson | Nature Coast Biological Station (552 1st St) |
6 | Net Fishing Legacy | Lena Smyrnaova | Historical Museum (609 2nd St) |
7 | Evening Light | Pam Deas | City Pocket Park (5th & G Sts) |
8 | Before Us | Lena Smyrnaova | City Hall (809 6th St) |
9 | Cycle of Water | Travis Parks | Water Tower (8th & G Sts) |
10 | Cedar Key's Whirlpool | Paisley Hall | Cedar Key High School (951 Whiddon Ave) |
11 | Living on the Edge | Travis Parks | Cemetery Point Park (16050 East Point Rd) |
Sculpture Trail Highlights
Scientific Learning at Stop 5: Located at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, Emily Colson's Anatomy of a Clam illustrates the internal biological structure of a bivalve, including the mantle, gills, foot, siphon, and kidney.
Local Maritime Heritage at Stop 6: Positioned outside the Cedar Key Historical Museum, Lena Smyrnaova's Net Fishing Legacy honors the community's fishing history preceding the aquaculture era.
Coastal Wildlife at Stop 11: Located at Cemetery Point Park, Travis Parks' Living on the Edge showcases local shorebirds and marine habitats along the salt marsh.
Trail Sponsors & Resources
The Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail is made possible through community collaboration:
Sponsoring Organizations: Levy County Visitors Bureau, University of Florida / IFAS Shellfish Extension, Cedar Key Arts Center, City of Cedar Key, and the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association.
Educational Links:
Big Bend Shellfish Trail: floridashellfishtrail.org
UF/IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Resources: shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu
Florida Division of Aquaculture: fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Aquaculture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail?
The Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail is a public outdoor art exhibit featuring 11 giant clam sculptures painted by regional artists. The trail celebrates Cedar Key's identity as Florida’s clam aquaculture leader.
How many sculptures are on the Cedar Key Clam Sculpture Trail?
There are 11 clam sculptures located at key public places, parks, historical sites, and schools throughout Cedar Key.
Is the Clam Sculpture Trail walkable?
Yes, the trail is self-guided and walkable. Most sculptures (Stops 1 through 8) are clustered close together around downtown Cedar Key, 2nd Street, and 1st Street, while Stops 9, 10, and 11 extend slightly further out toward Cedar Key High School and Cemetery Point Park.
Why is Cedar Key known for clam farming?
Following the 1990s Florida net-fishing ban, local fishermen underwent retraining programs to launch clam aquaculture operations. Today, around 150 clam growers in Cedar Key harvest more than 100 million clams each year, supplying 90% of Florida’s hard clams.
Who sponsored the Clam Sculpture Trail?
The trail is sponsored by the Levy County Visitors Bureau, the University of Florida / IFAS Shellfish Extension, the Cedar Key Arts Center, the City of Cedar Key, and the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association.
Which Clam Sculpture Is Your Favorite?
Have you walked the trail yet, or are you planning your visit to Cedar Key soon? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let me know which of the 11 clam sculptures you’re most excited to see—or if you’ve already completed the trail, tell me which stop was your favorite and what stood out to you about the artwork. Sharing your tips and photos helps fellow travelers and local art lovers enjoy the experience even more! Feel free to tag me on social media using @ilovecedarkey.
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