Rio

Rio, locally pronounced “Rye-oh,” was established in 1893 along Flagler’s railroad tracks and contained a post office, pineapple farms and a lumber mill.  Rio became a popular fishing village with cottages for winter guests.  Located on the north shore of the St. Lucie River, Rio is a quaint area consisting of small, individually owned businesses and uniquely family owned Florida accommodations.

Historic and popular Mrs. Peters Smokehouse serves lunch and offers a variety of fish dips and fish smoked on the premises.  The 1926 Stuart Welcome Arch, constructed to celebrate the creation of Martin County and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands proudly over Dixie Highway outside Langford Park.  You are invited to take a walk down the path to the waterfront at Rio Nature Park, where you will find a shade pavilion, picnic tables and one of the best views over-looking the St. Lucie River, Downtown Stuart, Roosevelt Bridge and Haney Creek – a serene and natural preserve for fishing, wading, kayaking and bird watching.