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Experience the Everglades

Located approximately 200 miles south of the sandy beaches of Clearwater, is masterpiece of nature’s beauty in a mysterious forest containing many forms of wildlife known as the Everglades National Park. Spanning the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of Florida Bay, this park is the only subtropical preserve in North America. It contains both temperate and tropical plant communities, including sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks as well as marine and estuarine environments. The park is rich in bird life, including large wading birds such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, great blue heron and a variety of egrets. But probably one of the park’s biggest attractions to visitors are the alligators and crocodiles. In fact, it is the only place in the world where these two animals live side by side.

Made up of several areas, the untouched wilderness and the plentiful wildlife of the Everglades National Park appeals to sightseers of all ages. The surrounding areas provide plenty of accommodations, activities and a number of ways to experience the Everglades such as by boat, airplane, van, airboat, bicycle and even walking tours.

How do we get there?

The park is accessible from various entrances depending on which direction you are coming from. The different areas of the park include Main entrance and Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast. Coming from the Tampa Bay area, the closest entrance is the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City. Heading south to Naples, take U.S. 41 east and turn south on U.S. 29. This will lead you to the entrance of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Other visitor centers are open and accessible from U.S. 41 and the Miami area.

When are they open?

Though the park is open all year, hours of operation vary with each visitor center and entrance location. The main park entrance (near Homestead and Florida City) is open 24 hours a day. The Shark Valley entrance is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park waters are open 24 hours a day

What is the entrance fee?

Fees range from $10 for up to 7 days for private vehicles to $5 for up to seven days or pedestrians and cyclists. Annual park passes are also available for $25.

Where can we stay?

The Flamingo Lodge is the only lodging available within the park. It offers 103 rooms and 24 cottages with kitchen facilities. Lodging is also available in communities that border the park including Homestead, Floral City, Miami, Everglades City and Chokoloskee. For those who really want to experience the outdoors, the park offers three campgrounds. These campgrounds are primitive, meaning they have no electrical, water or sewer hookups. However, dump stations and fresh water are available. All campgrounds are open year round. However, occasional closing due to weather-related conditions may occur so plan ahead for alternatives.

What is there to do?

Walking and canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators and a multitude of tropical and temperate birds. Ranger-led activities, offered throughout the park, may help you enjoy your visit even more. Activities and schedules vary depending on which part of the park you visit. For instance, the Flamingo area offers bird walks, canoes trips, shoreline strolls, the Gulf coast are has boat tours and everglade talks, the Royal Palm area takes you on guided tours and the Shark Valley area hosts a tram tour. Regardless of where you travel within the park, there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying nature.

Biking and Hiking

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades is on some of its many trails. The park has many miles of both hiking and biking trails – some of which are paved or have wooden boardwalks. Bicycling is also permitted along the main park roads. Details and maps are available at each visitor center. Bring your own bikes or rent them at Shark Valley.

Boats and Trams

Canoe rentals, boat rentals and tours, and tram tours are available throughout the 10,000 islands area of the National Park. Reservations are recommended. Also popular are the famous airboat rides. Airboats are not permitted in the park, but you can take an airboat ride outside the park boundaries along the Tamiami Trail, at Everglades City, and between Homestead and the Ernest Coe Visitor Centers off Route 9336.

Fishing

One third of the Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, and bluegill are plentiful. Saltwater fishing includes Florida Bay, 10,000 Islands, and elsewhere in the park’s coastal zone. Freshwater and saltwater fishing require separate Florida fishing licenses. However, catch limits and boating regulations exist and are enforced so be sure to plan ahead.

Should we be concerned about snakes, alligators or toxic plants?

Caution, common sense and respect for nature are advised. Most snakes and alligators usually shy away from humans and unprovoked attacks are rare. However, as with all wild animals, it is necessary to keep safe distance.

Certain local plants, some found nowhere else in the U.S., contain toxins that can cause skin reactions if contacted. If you plan to leave the trails, learn how to identify poison ivy, poisonwood, manchineel, and other poisonous plants. When in doubt, ask a park ranger.

Do we need to bring anything with us on our visit?

Visitors are advised to bring along drinking water and snacks since these items are sparsely located. Sunscreen and insect repellant are advised for the winter months and strongly suggested for the summer months. Insects can make your summer visit unbearable if you are not prepared. In addition, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes (with socks) and consider loose fitting clothing with long-sleeved shirts and pants for the summer. And don’t forget the camera and binoculars!

How long should we plan on staying?

The Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the States, outside of Alaska. One day will give you the opportunity to take in a good deal of nature, but you may want to plan for several days to allow ample time to enjoy all that the park has to offer.

A visit to the Everglades National Park is a refreshing change from the crowded beaches and congested theme parks. It can be a wonder-filled trip for children and adults of all ages. The Everglades is a place like no other and offers a truly unique experience for Floridians as well as out-of-town guests. Bring your family to discover the beauty and teach your children importance of the Florida Everglades; its future depends on them.

Information for this article was provided courtesy of the official website of the Everglades National Park. For complete details and information about the park, visit them at http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm.

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