EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Everglades National Park, known as “River of Grass” is unique in that there is no other place in the world with the type of eco-system that the Everglades supports.

The National Park, visited and enjoyed by thousands yearly, is the third largest National Park in the lower United States. The two larger national parks are Death Valley and Yellowstone. Covering over 1.5 million acres, its western border is at Everglades City and the eastern borders are at Homestead and Key Largo. One-half million acres of the National Park are under water.

At Everglades City, you will find a visitor center along with boat tours and boat rentals. Further east is Shark Valley. Shark Valley has a visitors center, a two- and one-half hour tram tour. They also have bike tours or you may bike or hike on your own.

  • Miami–Chekika entrance has no visitor center and is closed May through November. December through April from 8 am to 5 pm. It offers picnicking and short hikes.
  • Shark Valley–Entrance is off Tamiami Trail East/US 41. It is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm
  • Everglades City–Gulf Coast Visitor Center is open 24 hours and its entrance is south on Route 29 off Tamiami Trail East/US 41

Homestead, on the eastern border is the Everglades main entrance. There are many options for hiking, biking, or canoeing along a 38-mile road which ends at Flamingo, Florida.

The National Park has four visitor centers which are staffed with park rangers who help to make your visit easy and pleasant. These centers, except Chekika, are open every day year round.

  • Homestead–Ernest Coe Visitor Center, the main entrance to the Park is open 9am to 5pm mid-April to mid-December. Hours for the remainder of the year are 8am to 5pm.

This National Park offers many educational programs for people of all ages, including camping, day programs, and teacher workshops. It offers wonderful opportunities for a great learning experience.