Everglades: Waterways, Nature and History

Everglades combines watery landscapes, nature experiences and an unusually rich local history. The Gulf Coast area of Everglades National Park provides access to the Ten Thousand Islands, a labyrinth of mangrove islands and waterways. This means your stay can be planned in many different ways: with a boat tour, a paddling route, a walk through the historic town or a visit to the museum. If your travel group has a variety of interests, Everglades therefore offers several clearly distinct focal points for planning your days.

Waterways and Paddling Routes

Boat tours departing from Everglades City take visitors into Everglades National Park. Those who would like to experience the landscape in a non-motorized watercraft can use the Gulf Coast Canoe/Kayak Launch. It provides access to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, the Ten Thousand Islands and the Wilderness Waterway. The paddling routes along the Gulf Coast can also be reached via the public kayak launch at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center.

For experienced paddlers, the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway is a route of considerable scale: it connects Flamingo and Everglades City and is recommended only for experienced paddlers. Shorter alternatives can also be planned. The Turner River Canoe Route runs from the canoe launch at US 41 for 8.5 miles to Chokoloskee and can be started by visitors from Everglades City. The Halfway Creek and Loop Trails are 7.3 to 11 miles long, depending on the route. The Halfway Creek–Left Hand Turner–Turner River loop covers approximately 12 to 14 miles. The different trail lengths help you determine the desired length of your day before choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, without confusing the routes with one another.

Experience Nature Without Relying Solely on the Water

The Sandfly Island Loop complements the longer waterways with a 1-mile hiking trail on Sandfly Island. In historic Everglades City, you can also explore low-traffic streets and enjoy sunsets along the Barron River. There are bicycle racks throughout the town and at the airport. Short trips by bicycle are therefore another option to consider when planning your trip.

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is located at 815 Oyster Bar Ln in Everglades City, Florida. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers, among other things, ranger talks. For a first overview of the landscape and protected areas, this visit can provide the starting point for further exploration.

History and Culture in Town

Everglades has plenty to tell beyond its waterways and mangroves. When President Harry S. Truman dedicated Everglades National Park in 1947, he delivered his speech at what was then Everglades City Airport. At the Museum of the Everglades, permanent and temporary exhibitions present more than 2,000 years of the region’s human history. The building first opened as a commercial laundry in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pauline Reeves Gallery presents exhibitions by local and regional artists every month.

A prominent building is the two-story Bank of Everglades Building at 201 West Broadway in Everglades City. The 1926 building is classified in the Classical Revival style and was nominated for inclusion in the National Register because of its local significance for commerce and architecture. During the historic period, the Bank of Everglades was the most important lender for boats. The original Collier County Courthouse was built in 1928; today, the former courthouse is used as Everglades City Hall.

Which Focus Suits Your Accommodation Search?

When searching for a holiday rental in Everglades, it is worth deciding on the character of your trip first. Waterways and paddling routes are ideal for extended active days, while the museum, gallery and historic buildings provide a cultural focus. Those who want to combine both can divide their daily plans between nature and local history. The Everglades Seafood Festival combines fresh seafood with lively entertainment and highlights the region’s maritime heritage. This creates a travel plan in which landscape, history and local tradition all have a place side by side.

To compare other destinations, you can also visit Lely, Immokalee, Marco Island, Ochopee, Orangetree, Naples and North Naples.

For the overview of the broader travel region: Collier.