Everglades National Park: Subtropical Wetlands & Rare Wildlife
Everglades National Park
“A vast river of sawgrass, mangrove forests, wildlife-rich wetlands, and water flowing freely through the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.”
Park Overview
Everglades National Park protects around 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical ecosystems including wetlands, forests, and coastal waters in southern Florida, spanning three counties. It was established in 1947 as the first national park created for its biodiversity and now stands as the largest tropical wilderness east of the Mississippi. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.
Fast Facts
| Location | Miami‑Dade, Monroe & Collier Counties, Florida |
| Established | Dedicated in 1947 |
| Area | ~1,508,976 acres |
| Annual Visitors | ~810,000 (2023) |
| Ecosystems | Sawgrass marshes, mangroves, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, coastal estuaries |
(~810K visitors in 2023; down from 1.16M in 2022)
What to See & Do
- Anhinga Trail – A short boardwalk trail through sawgrass marshes alive with wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and birds.
- Shark Valley Tram & Cycling Loop – Scenic, accessible wetlands exploration via tram or bike.
- Flamingo Canoe & Boat Tours – Guided paddling through mangroves and the Wilderness Waterway from Flamingo.
- Wildlife Watching – Spot rare species like the Florida panther, American crocodile, snail kite, manatee, and observe both alligators and crocodiles coexisting.
- Night Programs & Stargazing – Enjoy guided night walks and bike rides under dark skies in select areas.
Ecology & Habitat
The Everglades is an ecological gem at the intersection of temperate and tropical climates, where fresh and saltwater meet. The park houses the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere and serves as a vital recharge zone for South Florida’s freshwater aquifers. It supports astounding biodiversity: over 350 bird species, 300 fish species, 40 mammals, and 50 reptiles, including dozens of threatened or endangered species. Additionally, rising sea levels and climate stress pose severe threats, prompting major restoration efforts like the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
Human History & Conservation
Native peoples like the Calusa, Tequesta, Miccosukee, and Seminole have shaped this landscape for millennia. Plans to drain the Everglades in the early 20th century spurred conservation efforts led by Ernest Coe and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The park was designated in 1947 and has since expanded; today it anchors multi-agency restoration efforts aiming to restore natural water flow and protect the ecosystem.