2018-02-14
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History and culture
For Kids
Directions to Everglades National Park
Entrance fees
Things to do
For Students
Operating hours and seasons
Welcome to Everglades National Park, the only one of its kind
Did You Know?
1. Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species.
The geography of Everglades National Park places it at the confluence of temperate North America and the tropical Caribbean. Consequently, the flora of the region hosts representatives of both climes.
Since its dedication in 1947, Everglades National Park has been touted as one of the great biological wonders of the world. Taking center stage is the diverse array of animals that call this place home.
Thriving amidst a verdant, expansive wetland, the wildlife of the Everglades encompasses the tiniest grass frog to the largest American crocodile.
2. Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres, so there are a number of options when visiting the park. Everglades City offers a visitor center and boat tours and rentals, Shark Valley has Tram tours, bike tours, and great biking on your own, Homestead is the main entrance to the park with a 38 mile park road to Flamingo with many different hiking, canoeing, and biking options along the way.
3. A vast expanse of roughly 1.5 million acres, there seems no end to the adventures that can be found in Everglades National Park.
You may find yourself spending a morning photographing the birds, an afternoon spent hiking and seeing alligators take advantage of the warmth of sunny south Florida skies, or take a ranger guided tour or just spend an evening enjoying the warmth of your campfire.
With so many adventures to select from it could be difficult to decide on one adventure and a multi- day stay will be the goal.
4. Kids can have a great time exploring the Everglades with their families and friends. Take some time to look over some of the exhibits and films to be found at our different visitor centers. Participate in any one of our regularly scheduled ranger programs. With a little work, kids can even become an Everglades National Park Junior Ranger!
5. If you are looking for information to help you prepare school projects and reports or even if you just want to explore the park before you visit, you can check our website at www.everglades.national-park.com
6. Water in south Florida once flowed freely from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee and Florida Bay. This shallow, slow-moving sheet of water covered almost 11,000 square miles, creating a mosaic of ponds, sawgrass marshes, and forested uplands. For thousands of years this intricate system evolved into a finely balanced ecosystem that formed the biological infrastructure for the southern half of the state. However, by the early 1900s, the drainage process to transform wetland to land ready to be developed was underway. The results would be severely damaging to the ecosystem and the species it supported.
With the support of many early conservationists, scientists, and other advocates, Everglades National Park was established in 1947 to conserve the natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants, and animals. On our website you can discover more about the Native Americans that existed and thrived; the Everglades’ role in United States War efforts; the preservation and restoration work that continues today; and much more.
7. - Though there are likely thousands of alligators in the Everglades, they remain protected because of their close resemblance to the far more endangered American crocodile.
- A pair of endangered wood storks need about 440 pounds of fish during a breeding season to feed themselves and their young. Everglades National Park serves as an important nursery ground for raising their chicks.
- Due to the global significance of Everglades National Park, it has been designated a Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance.
8. The programs available vary during our two seasons – “Wet Season” May – November and “Dry Season ” December – April. The pleasant weather in our dry season brings with it an increase in our visitors and ranger led programs.
Some programs are still available during our wet season. For updated information on programs exploring the wonders of Everglades National Park through walks, talks, canoes, kayaks or bicycles, please contact the main park number directly at (305-242-7700).
9. Private vehicle - $10.00 - good for 7 consecutive days at all entrances to the park.
Pedestrian/Cyclist - $5.00 - good for 7 consecutive days at all entrances to the park. Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Individuals 16 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
