Everglades National Park is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the continental United States. It features extensive fresh and saltwater areas, open Everglades' sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, subtropical jungle, and the warm waters of Florida Bay. Tropical life from Caribbean islands blends with temperate species in the Everglades resulting in a rich mixture of plants and animals. Abundant wildlife includes rare and colorful birds, and this is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. Located on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, the 1.5-million-acre park encompasses about one-seventh the area of the entire Everglades. It is a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Significance.

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General Information

Location

Southern tip of Florida, just west of Miami.

Address

Everglades National Park
4000l State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

Telephone

(305) 242-7700
(8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST)

Visitation

Highest from December through April; lowest May through November.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Main entrance (near Homestead and Florida City):
Open 24 hours a day.

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center:
open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Royal Palm Visitor Center:
open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The Flamingo Visitor Center:
Open November through April from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shark Valley:
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Chekika:
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gates are locked at closing. Campers are allowed access in and out of the campground after closing, but need to register before 5 p.m. to obtain the gate combination from a ranger or camp host.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City):
Open daily from November through April from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and May through November from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission Fees

Main entrance:
$10 per car or $5 per pedestrian/cyclist.

Shark Valley and Chekika:
$8 per car or $4 per pedestrian or cyclist.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center:
No entrance fee.

An Annual Pass may be purchased for Everglades National Park for $20. A Golden Eagle pass, good for entrance to any U.S. National Park for one year, may be purchased for $50. Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are also available.

Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle Passport is an entrance pass to any National Park, monument, historical site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee. It is a great convenience for those who plan on visiting several different areas that charge special fees. It is valid for one year from the purchase date. A Golden Eagle Passport may be purchased for $50 at any National Park Service entrance fee area or by mail. To order by mail, send check or money order (no cash, please) to:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

Where entry is by private vehicle, the Golden Eagle Passport will admit the passholder as well as any passengers. Where entry by private vehicle is not possible, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Eagle Passport will not reduce use fees, such as those for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It covers entrance fees only.

Golden Age Passport

The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for those United States residents 62 years or older. These may be purchased at any National Park Service entrance fee area for a one-time processing fee of $10. The Golden Age Passport cannot be purchased by mail or telephone. Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residence must be shown at the time of purchase.

The Golden Age Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. When entrance is not via private vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder as well as children, spouse, and parents.

The Golden Age Pass grants a 50% discount to the holder on any federal use fees charged for things such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or tours. It does not, however, reduce the price of special recreation permit fees or fees for concessions.

Golden Access Passport

The Golden Access Passport is a free entrance pass to any National Park, monument, historic site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge for those who are blind or permanently disabled. The Golden Access passport may be obtained at any National Park Service entrance fee area. Proof of a medically determined disability and eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law is necessary at purchase.

The Golden Access Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. Where entrance is not by vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on any federal use fees charged for services and facilities. It does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged for concessions.

All passes described above are non-transferable.

Transportation

The park may be explored by personal vehicle, commercial tour bus, bicycle, motor boat, or canoe. There is no public transportation in the park.

Miami is about 45 miles northeast of the park and features the closest major airport. It also has an Amtrak station. Fort Myers, which is about 60 miles northwest of the park, also has an international airport. Buses and numerous car rental agencies service both Miami and Fort Myers.

Directions

To the main park entrance and Flamingo:

From the Miami area and points north, take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south to the Florida City exit. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive and follow the signs to the park.

From the Florida Keys, take U.S. 1 north to Palm Drive (344th Street) in Florida City and make a left, then follow the signs to the park.

To Shark Valley:

Take the Florida Turnpike to the exit for SW 8th Street (also known as U.S. 41 and Tamiami Trail). Travel 25 miles west on U.S. 41 to signs marked Shark Valley.

From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to signs marked Shark Valley.

Chekika:

Take Krome Avenue (SW 177th Ave.) north from Homestead or south from US 41. Go west on SW 168th Street and follow the signs to the park.

To the Gulf Coast Visitor Center:

From the Miami area, take U.S. 41 west to the intersection of U.S. 29, then take U.S. 29 south 3 miles into Everglades City and follow the signs to the park visitor center.

From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 east and turn south on U.S. 29 into Everglades City and follow signs to the park visitor center.

Highest Elevation

Nowhere does the Everglades landscape top 8 feet above sea level. The rock beneath this national park, the first created to protect a threatened ecological system, is just 6,000 to 8,000 years old and in its infancy. South Florida surfaced only since the Ice Age.

Climate & Recommended Clothing

The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may bring near-freezing temperatures. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90¡F and humidity over 90 percent. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant. Wear comfortable sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and insect repellent are recommended in the summer. For a 24-hour weather service recording out of Miami, call (305) 661-5065, or get the current forecast from the media for the Miami, Homestead, or Naples areas.

Facilities & Opportunities

See above for visitor center hours.

Trails & Roads

The main park road winds 38 miles from the main entrance to Flamingo.

U.S. 41 leads to the Shark Valley entrance.

U.S. 29 leads to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

Visitor and bus parking is available at all visitor centers. Visitor parking is also available at most trailheads.

Hiking and biking trails are located at various points along the main park road and at Shark Valley.

Canoe trails are popular in the Flamingo area and in the vicinity of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. In addition, a 99-mile canoe trail, known as the Wilderness Waterway, connects the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to the Flamingo Visitor Center.

Lodging & Camping Facilities

The Flamingo Lodge is the only lodging available in the park. It is open year-round, with 103 rooms and 24 cottages with kitchen facilities. A restaurant and cafe are open during the winter. For further information and reservations, contact Flamingo Lodge, Marina & Outpost Resort at (800) 600-3813 or (941) 695-3101.

Campgrounds are located at three places in the park, with tent and RV sites, restrooms, and water. There are no hookups in the park. All three campgrounds are open year-round. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Backcountry camping is also available. There are three sites accessible by foot and 43 additional sites available in Florida Bay, along the Gulf Coast, and inland, accessible by canoe or boat. Reservations for designated campsites may be made in person up to 24 hours before entering the backcountry. All supplies must be carried in and out of the backcountry, including water. Fees for backcountry camping are $10 for one to six people, $20 for seven to 12 people and $30 for 13 or more.

Boating & Fishing

Since many parts of the park are only accessible by water, boating and fishing are popular. There is a marina at Flamingo. The boat launch fee is $5 for a seven-day pass or $60 for an annual pass. The seven-day pass fee for a non-motorized boat is $3. Fishing in the inland and coastal waters of the Everglades is also excellent and can be enjoyed year-round. Freshwater and saltwater fishing require separate Florida fishing licenses.

Reservations & Permits

Permits are required for backcountry camping. Film permits and special use permits are handled on an individual basis; call (305) 242-7700. For research and collection permits, call (305) 242-7800.

Food & Supplies

There is a restaurant and store at Flamingo. The restaurant may be closed during the summer; however, food is always available at the marina store. There are restaurants and grocery stores in Homestead, Florida City, Everglades City, and Miami. There are no banks or automatic teller machines in the park. Gasoline may be obtained at the Flamingo Marina, and in communities adjacent to the park.

Other Concessions & Visitor Facilities

The Florida National Parks & Monuments Association manages bookstores at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center, and Shark Valley Visitor Center. TW Services operates a gift shop at the Flamingo Visitor Center during the winter months. Everglades National Park Boat Tours operates a gift store in the Gulf Coast Visitor Center year-round.

Accessibility

Accessible facilities and trails may be found throughout the park. All of the park's visitor centers, most interpretive trails, some of the Flamingo boat tours, and the Shark Valley tram tours are wheelchair accessible. There are accessible campsites at all three campgrounds in the park, and one primitive backcountry campsite, at Pearl Bay, is accessible to people with mobility impairments. Audio programs and captioned movies are available at most visitor centers.

Recommended Activities

Foot and canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife, including alligators and a multitude birds. Camping, whether in the backcountry or at established campgrounds, offers the opportunity to enjoy what the park offers first-hand. Ranger-led activities, offered throughout the park, may help you to enjoy your visit even more. Everglades National Park is the third largest park in the United States, outside Alaska. Plan on staying at least one day and perhaps several to get a good feel for what the park offers.

Sun & Mosquitoes

Visitors are advised to bring drinking water and snacks since these items are not always readily available. (Snacks are not permitted on interpretive trails.) Since sun and insects are likely to be abundant, sunscreen, protective clothing and insect repellent are advised. Insects can make a visit unbearable during the summer months if you are not prepared. Information on mosquito levels during the summer is available at (305) 242-7700 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Dry Tortugas National Park, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and various National Wildlife Refuges are all in the South Florida area. Several state parks are in the area as well. Miami, the Florida Keys, and Naples offer a wide variety of attractions.

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History

Established in 1947 to preserve the biological features and essential primitive conditions of the subtropical Everglades of Florida, the park is the largest U.S. national park east of the Rocky Mountains. It is also recognized as the most threatened, due primarily to hydrological developments that have disrupted water flow with serious ecological consequences. The park receives more than a million visitors annually and contributes $120 million each year to the local economy through tourism revenue.

The outstanding significance of the park is recognized by the international community through its designation as a World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Significance, and a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO. Approximately 25 percent of the park's visitors are international travelers.

Archeological Resources

Recent surveys in the Everglades and within the Big Cypress Swamp indicate the presence of at least several hundred archeological sites within the interior of South Florida. Some of these sites proved to be substantial and suggest more than just marginal or short-term use.

Based on current data, it also appears the sawgrass plains region south of Lake Okeechobee, now the Everglades Agricultural Area, was a transitional area used for canoe travel and small encampments by many tribes. The exceptions are earthwork complexes, some of which are known to be located on the western edge of the Everglades. These sites show a strong affiliation with the Belle Glade Area on the shores of Lake Okeechobee.

Pottery remains found in portions of the southwest section of the Everglades Agricultural Area indicate influence from regions as far away as Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Bay on the southernmost end of the state. The settlement of South Florida, which has occurred since 10,000 B.C., has been chronologically categorized up until A.D. 1930.

• Paleo-Indian Period (10,000 B.C. to 8000 B.C.) - The Paleo-Indian probably lived with mammoths, bison in arid climate conditions. With the extinction of these animals, the Paleo-Indian adapted to the changing climate and emerging wetlands and began to establish patterns of deer and rabbit hunting, as well as marine life gathering.
  
  
• Archaic Period (8000 B.C. to 750 B.C.) - During the post glacial period, the sea level rose and diminished Floridas land base, and the climate began to change. Nearly 5,000 years ago, cypress swamps and hardwood forests characteristic of subtropical terrain began to develop. The people of this period increasingly relied on shellfish and other coastal resources, as well as expanded hunting, fishing and plant gathering. From the Early Archaic Period to the Late Archaic Period, advances were made in the shaping and use of tools and pottery. Remnants of the tools and pottery are valuable in dating these sites.
  
  
• The Glades Period (ca. 750 B.C. to A.D. 1500) - The Glades I, II, and III periods are dated and characterized by pottery types. During the Glades II and III periods, a thriving trade network is evidenced by a variety of exotic resources, such as lithic tools and ornaments.
  
  
• Historic Contact Period (circa A.D. 1500 to A.D. 1750) - This period includes the arrival of the Europeans and their encountering of a thriving population of at least five separate tribes. These tribes were the Tequesta in southeast Florida; the Calusa in the southwest; the Jeaga and Ais along the east coast north of the Tequesta; and the Mayaimi near Lake Okeechobee. At the time of Spanish contact, the Calusa maintained political dominance over these groups. It has been estimated that there were approximately 20,000 Indians in South Florida when the Spanish arrived. By 1763, when the English gained control of Florida, that population had been reduced to several hundred, who were reported to have migrated to Cuba with the Spanish.
  
  
• Historic Period (circa A.D. 1750 to A.D. 1930) - There is little information on any pre-19th century activities in the area south of Lake Okeechobee. With the demise of indigenous people in South Florida and white settlement occurring to the north increasing migrations of Creek peoples moved southward for hunting and settling. The Creeks and proto-Seminoles were in the area as early as the 18th century. During the Seminole Wars (1817-18, 1835-42, 1855-58), independent bands of Florida Indians established themselves in the Everglades to avoid removal from Florida.

The End of the Road

At the end of the nineteenth century, the south Florida coast was still largely wilderness, one of the last coastal regions east of the Mississippi to be settled. Only three small communities - Chokoloskee, Cape Sable and Flamingo - existed along the coast of what is now Everglades National Park.

Early mariners knew about Cape Sable, located west of Flamingo as it appeared on their maps. It was here in 1838 that Dr. Henry Perrine was given a grant of land. Unfortunately, his plans for a settlement did not materialize due to his untimely death at the hands of Indians. Surgeon General Thomas Lawson, who explored the Cape in 1838 for the U.S. government, proposed another plan for settlement. He built Fort Poinsett on Cape Sable. In 1856, during the Third Seminole War, Fort Cross was established at Middle Cape.

When its citizens had to choose a name to obtain a post office, the town of Flamingo was established in 1893. According to records from the National Archives, Howell C. Low was the first postmaster, having been appointed on December 13 that year. Cape Sable had its own post office and Jay L. Watrons was appointed postmaster on February 23, 1904.

The 1910 federal census record shows 49 people living in Flamingo and Cape Sable. Most listed their profession as farming. There were 10 heads of households, with 18 children and seven servants. Five people were cane farmers and one worked in charcoal making. (Charcoal was sold in 100-pound sacks at Key West.) Other jobs held by individuals were boatmen and cane haulers. One person was retired. Tradition held that many, if not all, fished for cash and food. Most also hunted. At the turn of the century plume hunting was a major source of cash.

Chokoloskee, near present-day Everglades City, was first settled in the 1870s. It had been the home of Calusa Indians for centuries in pre-Columbian times. It became the trade center for homesteaders scattered throughout the Ten Thousand Islands region.

Charles McKinney was Chokoloskee's first postmaster; he was commissioned on June 30, 1892. George Storter was commissioned postmaster for Everglades on July 19, 1893. The 1910 census for Everglades Township, including Chokoloskee Island, listed 144 people in 29 different households. Many were farmers or farm laborers. Of those, most were probably engaged in the labor-intensive growing of sugar cane. There was also one carpenter, a mail carrier, a wash woman, a sailor and a schoolteacher.

Two men made their livings as merchants, Charles "Ted" Smallwood and George Storter. The largest family, their name illegible in the records, had 12 members.

The Everglade and Chokoloskee community was just recovering from a hurricane in 1909 when it was devastated by the worst hurricane on record the following year. Only the highest ground of the old Calusa shell mound remained above water. Low-lying farm fields were salted by flood tides and most cisterns were polluted, a major tragedy in an area where few springs or wells existed. Many inhabitants of the outlying islands were forced to abandon their homesteads. The most infamous incident of the times, the vigilante murder of a local man suspected of several murders, occurred a few days after the hurricane. Peter Matthiesson gives a fictionalized account of the event in the book "Killing Mister Watson."

In the early days, the only way to arrive at Flamingo or Chokoloskee was by boat. Supplies were shipped from Key West, Fort Meyers or Tampa. Cane syrup, fish and produce were traded in return. Although neither town was ever to become a metropolis, they did have commerce, with some vegetables from Chokoloskee even reaching New York City.

When Royal Palm State Park was created in 1916, a road was built from Florida City to Royal Palm hammock. The Ingraham Highway, as it was eventually named, was later completed to Flamingo. The name "highway" gave more prominence to this road than it actually deserved. It could be traveled only in good weather and was always full of ruts and mud holes. Early visitors could however enjoy the scenic Everglades as they traveled this road.

Prosperity of a sort reached Everglades in the 1920s when Baron Collier made it his headquarters for the building of the Tamiami Trail across south Florida. It served as the county seat of Collier County until 1960, when prosperity waned and county offices were moved to Naples. Neighboring Chokoloskee did not have a road until a causeway was built from the mainland in 1956.

Flamingo, still marking the end of the main park road, is now a park community with a campground, ranger station, marina, and lodge. Chokoloskee, surrounded by park waters at the end of Highway 29, is still home to fishermen, with a few motels and a resort having been added for park visitors. Although the tiny cane farms and fishing shanties are gone, both areas maintain the tranquil beauty for which they are famous.

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Reservation Information

Lodging Reservations

The Flamingo Lodge is the only lodging available in the park. It is open year-round, with 103 rooms and 24 cottages with kitchen facilities. A restaurant and cafe are open during the winter. For further information and reservations, contact Flamingo Lodge, Marina & Outpost Resort at:

Amfac Park & Resorts

Flamingo, FL 33034
(800) 600-3813

Lodging and services are available in the local communities of Homestead, Florida City, Miami, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee.

Camping Reservations & Permits

There are three campgrounds inside the park: Chekika, Flamingo and Long Pine Key. All campgrounds are open year-round. Chekika Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

For campsites to be used November through April at the Flamingo and Long Pine Key campgrounds, make reservations through Destinet at 1-800-365-2267.

Camping from May through October will be by self-registration at all campgrounds.

Fees are not charged from June to August. If you have a Golden Age Pass (U.S. citizen 62 or older) or Golden Access Pass (permanently disabled), camping is half price. This does not apply to group sites.

Winter Permit Station Hours (usually December through April):

Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City)

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily
(941) 695-3311

Flamingo Visitor Center (including all Florida Bay sites)

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
(941) 695-2945

Main Entrance Station

Backcountry permits are written only from the Main Entrance Station for two land sites in the Long Pine Key area.

Hours: 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

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