To some, Everglades National Park is just a swampland in the very southern tip of Florida. To others, it’s one of the most historic, tropical and unique national parks in the world. In fact, how many non-Floridians would think there would be such a place in Florida? After all isn’t Florida just about beautiful beaches, palm trees, and world-class theme parks? Not exactly.
Established on December 6, 1947, Everglades National Park stretches across 1,542,526 acres and is also known to be the only location on earth where alligators and crocodiles co-exist. The best things about Everglades National Park is that you don’t necessarily have to be a nature lover to enjoy all that this beautiful and awe-inspiring park has to offer.
Everglades National Park protects the southern 20 percent of the Everglades and is known to be a breeding ground for tropical wading birds. The Park is home to a major mangrove ecosystem, 50 different reptile species, 40 mammal species, over 300 different species of saltwater and freshwater fish, the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther, the American crocodile and hundreds of different species of birds. Even though the main purpose is to protect diverse species of plants and animals, the Park also a popular tourist destination and is visited by about one million people every year.
For those visiting Everglades National Park, there is no shortage of fun and exciting activities to do and places to explore. Visitors are welcomed to enjoying a variety of activities from canoeing, hiking, camping, tram tours and boat tours and ranger-led programs. The one thing you can’t do when in the Park is staying inside your car! This park is meant for visitors to get outside and explore one of Florida’s best assets.
Are you in the mood for a peaceful walk? There are plenty of boardwalk trails through nature that allows walkers to enjoy the beauty of the scenery without requiring too much activity. Some other great activities include biking, bird watching, boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and so much more. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a deer or an alligator.
Have you ever been to the Everglades National Park? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below! For more information about your visit to Everglades National Park, be sure to keep up with all the travel information at www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm.
