Rain Barrel Village: Islamorada’s Eclectic Art Haven

A 30-foot fiberglass lobster guards the entrance. Inside, glass blowers shape molten art while painters capture the turquoise waters of the Keys. Welcome to Rain Barrel Village, one of the last remaining roadside attractions that once dotted the Overseas Highway from Jacksonville to Key West.

A Living Piece of Keys History

Located at Mile Marker 86.7 on the bayside of Islamorada, Rain Barrel Village has been supporting local artists since 1978. Named after the large cisterns that once provided drinking water to Florida Keys residents before modern infrastructure arrived, the village represents something increasingly rare in our chain of islands: authenticity.

Meet Betsy the Lobster

The first thing visitors notice is Betsy, the massive 30-foot-tall, 40-foot-long spiny lobster sculpture standing sentinel at the village entrance. Artist Richard Blaze completed Betsy in 1985, originally commissioning her for a local restaurant that closed before she could be installed. The fiberglass crustacean spent time at Treasure Village before landing at her current home in 2009, where she has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the Florida Keys.

More Than 500 Artists Under One Roof

Rain Barrel Village’s open-air complex winds through a tropical garden oasis, connecting specialty shops, galleries, and boutiques that showcase work from over 500 unique artists and craftsmen. This is not your typical tourist trap filled with mass-produced souvenirs. Each piece tells a story, and many are created right before your eyes.

Planning Your Visit

Rain Barrel Village is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the village is free, making it an ideal stop for anyone traveling the Overseas Highway. Whether you’re searching for a unique piece of Keys art, want to photograph your family with a giant lobster, or simply need a break from driving, Rain Barrel Village offers a glimpse into the creative heart of Islamorada.