Big Cypress National Preserve

Ochopee, Florida: Between Naples and Miami, Tamiami Trail passes through the isolated Florida wilderness. Much of this landscape is comprised within the Big Cypress National Preserve, one of the nation’s first national preserves.

The Big Cypress National Preserve is nestled between the Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The 720,566 acre preserve was founded on October 4, 1974 making it one of the first preserves in the National Parks system.

Before becoming a national preserve, the region was home to Native Americans. The Calusa, Miccosukee and Seminole tribes all called the swamp home. But the region began to change in 1928 when the Tamiami Trail was completed, opening the region up to travelers. Today over a million visitors a year visit the preserve.

There are plenty of way to enjoy the park. There are 12 campgrounds, mile of roads to drive or bike and several boardwalks allowing visitors to get a glimpse at the plants and animals that call the preserve home. To better prepare yourself with what the park has to offer, there are two visitor’s centers located along Tamiami Trail at the east and west boundaries of the park.

The Big Cypress National Preserve is open year-round. There are plenty of special events and ranger guided tours to enhance your visit to Big Cypress.

Click on the photo above to view my Big Cypress National Preserve photo gallery.

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