‘Subtle on the views,’ big on wildlife: What to know about Everglades National Park

From the very beginning, Everglades was not like other national parks. 

“It was the first national park set aside for its biodiversity of plants and animals,” explained Allyson Gantt, spokesperson for Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. “Before that, parks had been set aside for their dramatic mountain features or their geysers or the vistas and the views. Everglades is a lot more subtle on the views.”

The park’s website notes Everglades boasts the “largest continuous strand of sawgrass prairie in North America”  and “largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere.”

But as Gantt notes, “It doesn’t always wow people at first sight. It’s really in the details.”

Here’s what travelers should know about Everglades, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series.

What is the Everglades famous for?

Everglades is known for its wildlife.

The park is home to nine unique habitats, hundreds of bird species, as well as endangered West Indian Manatees and Florida panthers, but its most famous residents may be alligators and crocodiles.

“South Florida is the only place in the world where you get alligators and crocodiles together,” Gantt said.

She explained it’s the southernmost range for alligators and the northernmost range for the American crocodile. And while alligators are generally a freshwater species and crocodiles usually live in salt water, she said they can both be found in brackish water within the park.

What are five other interesting facts about the Everglades?

• It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and the third largest national park in the lower 48 states.
• It’s so big that its three entrances are in different Florida counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier. 
• It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Wetland of International Importance.
• It gets about 60 inches of rain a year, compared to Death Valley National Park which gets less than 2 inches annually in some areas.
• Its nickname, River of Grass, comes from pioneering environmentalist and journalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ seminal 1947 book “The Everglades: River of Grass.” However the park’s sawgrass isn’t a “true grass”, but a part of the sedge family, according to the park.

Which part of Florida is the Everglades?

Everglades National Park spans more than 1.5 million acres of South Florida.

Visitors may enter from Miami, Homestead or Everglades City, near Naples, by land, and should note that the park’s entrances are not connected by road. 

“There are a little more creative ways by boat, but not by car,” Gantt said. “And we do have a lot of people coming into the park from the Florida Keys by boat.”

The nearest major airport is Miami International Airport.

What is the best time to visit Everglades National Park?

There are two main seasons in the park: the wet season from May to November and the dry season from December through April.

The popular dry season offers cooler temperatures, lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes. 

“It’s the best time for (viewing) wildlife,” Gantt said. “As water concentrates, the fish concentrate, which pulls in all of the birds and alligators and turtles, and you can just see everything in concentrated areas."

The wet season has its own perks.

“Summer’s a great time to get out on the water,” Gantt said. “We get some amazing cloud formations in the summer … I think of them as our mountains. And you see different things. It’s a little bit greener. The park looks lush because there’s water everywhere." Plus there are fewer people.

She noted the shoulder months of November and May can offer a bit of both seasons, including storms. She added that September and October are the busiest times for hurricanes, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest time for visits.

What kinds of activities can you do in the Everglades?

Like other national parks, Everglades offers opportunities for bicycling, bird watching, camping, hiking and more.

One of the more unique activities is slough slogging, a wet guided walk through sawgrass prairies and cypress forests. It’s one of several ranger-led programs at the park. Visitors can also book airboat, kayak and tram and other tours through authorized third-party providers.

Is it safe to swim in the Everglades?

“Swimming/snorkeling is prohibited in all canals, ponds, freshwater lakes, marked channels, and boat basins inside the park,” according to the park.

Additionally, the park warns that while nature provides Everglades’ alligators and crocodiles plenty to eat and they don’t actively seek people or pets, visitors should still keep a safe distance of at least 15-20 feet from them and any wildlife.

“They look like they’re napping, basking in the sun. A lot of people think they’re statues,” Gantt said of the gators and crocodiles. “But they’re wild animals.”

Can you just drive through Everglades National Park?

A car or other form of transportation is required to visit Everglades because there is no public transportation in the massive park.

An entrance pass is also needed, except on fee-free days. Passes are good for a whole week. They cost $30 for private vehicles or vessels, $25 per motorcycle and $15 for individuals over age 15 entering on foot, bike or paddle-craft. 

Free national park access for families:What to know about Every Kid Outdoors

Can you stay in Everglades National Park?

The park's only lodge will open on Nov. 1.

The new Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant replace a previous lodge and restaurant of the same name, which were damaged by hurricanes, according to the park and authorized concessioner Everglades Guest Services. The new facility features 24 elevated rooms, made from shipping containers.

Campgrounds and wilderness camp sites are also available at Everglades National Park.

Who are the Native people of the Everglades?

The historic Calusa, Tequesta, Jega and Ais tribes all had ties to the area, according to the park. As do the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes, which continue to this day.