Top Ways to Experience Florida’s Everglades
Before the theme parks and the high-rise apartments that guard the beaches, Florida was the wild. That wild still exists today in the Florida Everglades. Quite frankly, there may be no wilderness in America greater than the Everglades. Here crocodiles, alligators and manatees still swim in miles of rivers and streams, and more than 300 species of birds make their nests among the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere.Known as the “river of grass” the Everglades were the first U.S. national area set aside for its biodiversity.
Nine ecosystems, ranging from coral-lined bays to oak tree islands, support a network of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else on earth.
Here are the best ways to explore the Florida Everglades
Biking
Shark Valley’s 15-mile tram and bike loop cuts through a flat-as-plywood freshwater ecosystem of sawgrass marsh and tree islands. No need to worry about hills in the Florida Everglades. At Shark Valley, there are no shortcuts either, so it is recommended you come prepared with water, sunscreen and the desire to devote up to three hours to biking the trail. Rangers recommend bikers stay at least 15 feet away from the alligators to avoid ending up as meals on wheels.
That’s not always easy considering gators like to sunbathe on the warm pavement!
Museum
Set in a 60-acre cypress dome on the vast Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum of Seminole culture introduces the tropical outdoors of natural South Florida’s swamps in which the Seminole Tribe has called home for more than a century. Visitors explore the rich culture history of the Seminoles and find out why they are the only unconquered Native American Nation. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is a wonderful learning experience for the entire family.
Airboat or Swamp Buggy
Billie Swamp Safari is a top attraction for Florida residents and international visitors alike. For visitors who want to whip through the “river of grass”, this is the place you want to be. Visitors can explore 2,200 acres of untamed Florida Everglades that has stood the test of time. Whether it’s airboat rides, swamp buggy tours or a live alligator show, Billie Swamp Safari is a wonderful destination for kids and adults to experience the Florida Everglades. Guests also delight at authentic Seminole cuisine featured at the Swamp Water Café.
Overnight
Big Cypress Seminole RV Resort & Campground, located on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, offers visitors the opportunity to stay the way they want. Whether it’s an overnight stay or a week’s vacation, visitors can camp on a Seminole Chickee, splurge on an air-conditioned cabin or pull-in in their RV. The full-service Resort provides the natural setting of Florida Everglades where guests enjoy the flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades.
About Florida Seminole Tourism (FST)
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. FST is a top Florida Everglades adventure, learning and camping destination. We share the excitement and wonder of the Florida Everglades to visitors from around the globe. Our award-winning Everglades attractions including Billie Swamp Safari, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, and Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground.
