Big Cypress National Preserve

A self-guided driving tour through the wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve, with boardwalks, local history and wildlife along the route.

This permanent exhibition presents the wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve as a route that visitors follow by car, at their own pace. Stops along the way include boardwalks that cross several habitats, where the landscape and its ecosystem can be observed up close. Alligators are among the animals to watch for.

The visit also covers the history of the area. Information along the route addresses the Seminole tribe and past threats to the land, including plans to build an airport. Wildlife and the ecosystem of Big Cypress remain the central subject throughout.

The format suits visitors interested in nature, local history and the natural sciences, as well as families who want to combine a drive with short walks. Because the tour is self-guided, each visitor chooses which stops to make and how long to spend at each one.