Big Cypress National Preserve, United States

Big Cypress National Preserve Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park • Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the southern region of Florida, Big Cypress National Preserve is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the heart of the Everglades. Covering over 729,000 acres, this vast and diverse preserve is a haven for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

One of the main attractions of Big Cypress National Preserve is its stunning and diverse landscape. From dense cypress swamps to expansive prairies, visitors can explore a variety of ecosystems that are home to a rich array of flora and fauna. Take a leisurely hike along one of the many trails, or venture off the beaten path on an exhilarating airboat ride through the wetlands, where you can catch glimpses of alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

For those looking to get closer to nature, camping is a popular activity in the preserve. With several campgrounds to choose from, visitors can spend the night under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. Wake up to the melodious chirping of birds and embark on an early morning wildlife viewing adventure, where you might spot elusive panthers, black bears, or even the endangered Florida panther.

In addition to its natural wonders, Big Cypress National Preserve also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The preserve is home to the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. Visitors can learn about their traditions, art, and history through interactive exhibits and guided tours.

Whether you're seeking solitude in nature, thrilling outdoor activities, or a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage, Big Cypress National Preserve has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this unique destination, and discover why it is considered one of Florida's best-kept secrets.

Alternative names: Established: 4 October 1974 (49 years ago)Visitors per year: 1.1 mil.Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 25°51'32"N, 81°4'53"W

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FloridaUnited States

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Big Cypress National Preserve Top Attractions

Big Cypress National Preserve Attractions - What to See and Explore

Big Cypress National Preserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Turner River Site, Ochopee Post Office, Halfway Creek Site, Burns Lake Site. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Archaeological site
Turner River Site
The Turner River Site is an archaeological site in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, in Florida. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
25°54'5"N • 81°17'50"W
Ochopee Post Office
The Ochopee Post Office is the smallest post office building in the United States. It is a tiny shed on U.S. Route 41 in Collier County near Ochopee, Florida. It is located about 3 miles east of the intersection of US 41 and State Road 29. Its Zip code is 34141 in Area Code 239, Exchange 695.
Archaeological site
Halfway Creek Site
The Halfway Creek Site is an archaeological site located near Carnestown, Florida. On August 15, 1980, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Archaeological site
Burns Lake Site
The Burns Lake Site is a historic site in Ochopee, Florida. It is located three miles west of Ochopee on U.S. 41. On May 27, 1986, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Archaeological site
Hinson Mounds
The Hinson Mounds comprise an archeological site in Collier County, Florida near Miles City. It is located three miles northeast of Miles City.
25°51'18"N • 81°1'11"W
Big Cypress Gallery
Museum
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Mud Lake
There are over a dozen lakes named Mud Lake within the U.S. state of Florida. Mud Lake, Collier County, Florida. 26°03′32″N 81°07′27″W Mud Lake, Flagler County, Florida. 29°24′39″N 81°24′37″W Mud Lake, Hardee County, Florida. 27°27′56″N 81°51′22″W Mud Lake, Highlands County...
Archaeological site
Plaza Site
The Plaza Site is an archaeological site near Ochopee, Florida. It is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve. On May 28, 1986, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Archaeological site
Sugar Pot Site
The Sugar Pot Site is an archaeological site near Ochopee, Florida. It is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve. On December 15, 1978, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Island • Archaeological site
Platt Island
Platt Island is an archaeological site off Florida State Road 29 in Collier County north of Miles City. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Ceramic fragments dated to about 2500 years old were found at the site, which is in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Archaeological site
C. J. Ostl Site
The C. J. Ostl Site is an archaeological site in Ochopee, Florida. It is located off U.S. 41, near Fifty-Mile Bend. On December 15, 1978, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
25°51'49"N • 81°6'2"W
Monroe Station
The Monroe Station was a historic gas station, restaurant and bar in Ochopee, Florida. It was located at the junction of Tamiami Trail and Loop Road. On May 11, 2000, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. As of July 29, 2007, it was boarded up and...
Nature • Lake
Deep Lake
Deep Lake is a natural sinkhole in Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. This 90-foot-deep naturally occurring sinkhole lake is the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee, and one of the deepest in the entire state.

Day trips

Big Cypress National Preserve – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Big Cypress National Preserve, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Coral Castle (Homestead), Palm Cottage (Naples), Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (Naples).

47 milesSE
Outdoor sculptures carved from coral
Coral Castle, Homestead
Nestled in the city of Homestead, Florida, Coral Castle stands as a testament to the enigmatic power of love and determination, carved single-handedly by the Latvian-American Edward Leedskalnin. This unique oolitic limestone structure, often compared to the legendary...
49 milesW
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Palm Cottage, Naples
Nestled in the heart of Naples, Florida, Palm Cottage beckons history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike with its charming presence as a museum that encapsulates the rich history of the area. As Naples' oldest house, this quaint historic landmark offers a glimpse...
49 milesNW
Gator feeding and boat ride to see monkeys
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Naples
The Naples Zoo is a 43-acre zoo and historic botanical garden. The first plantings were done by botanist and ornithologist Dr. Henry Nehrling in 1919. The gardens were neglected after Nehrling's death in 1929.
50 milesE
Sport venue, Sport, Racetrack
Hialeah Park Race Track, Hialeah
The Hialeah Park Race Track is a historic racetrack in Hialeah, Florida. Its site covers 40 square blocks of central-east side Hialeah from Palm Avenue east to East 4th Avenue, and from East 22nd Street on the south to East 32nd Street on the north.
50 milesE
Park
Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah
Amelia Earhart Park is a 515-acre urban park in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, just north of Hialeah, Florida. It offers a number of recreational attractions like bike trails, skateboarding, and fishing.