Everglades National Park
Visitor Services
General Information
The park is open year-round, but the peak visiting season is from mid-December through mid-April. For more information, contact Park Headquarters, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, or please call (305) 242-7700. Visit our website at www.nps.gov/ever. Also see, the free newspapers for Dry Tortugas National Park and the Trip Planner for all the parks.
Entrance Fees
All park passes are available at park entrance stations. A seven-day permit costs $20 per private vehicle at the main entrance station and $10 per person for pedestrians and cyclists. Commercial vehicle fees are higher.
A seven-day permit for boat launching costs $3 for non-motorized boats and $5 for motorized boats. A 12-month permit for boats is $60. All prices are subject to change.
A 12-month Everglades Park Pass is available for $40. The America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass costs $80 and provides admission to many federal sites, national wildlife refuges, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management sites that charge entrance fees. Permanent U.S. residents age 62 and older may purchase a Senior Pass with proof of age and residency, for a one-time fee of $10. An Access Pass is available for free to permanent U.S. residents with lifetime disabilities and a free volunteer pass is available for volunteers who acquire 500 hours of volunteer service on a cumulative basis.
Entrances
From the east, use the Park's main entrance, located 10 miles southwest of Florida City and Homestead, Florida, on Route 9336. It is open 24 hours a day, including all holidays.
From the north, use the Shark Valley entrance, 35 miles west of downtown Miami on U.S. Route 41 (Tamiami Trail), or 70 miles east of Naples.
From the west, use the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, located at Everglades City, 70 miles west of downtown Miami, and about 30 miles southeast of Naples.
From the Florida Keys, the park is only accessible by boat or the main entrance west of Florida City.
Visitor Centers
The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, located at the Park's main entrance on State Road 9336, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. December—April, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May—November. State-of-the-art exhibits, educational displays, brochures, activity schedules and information on boat tours and canoe rentals are available. Books, film, postcards, insect repellent and other items may be purchased here.
Located four miles from the main entrance station, Royal Palm Nature Center offers books, film, postcards, insect repellants, vending machines and other items. Royal Palm is also the departure point for the Anhinga and Gumbo-Limbo trails. See page 34 for trail descriptions.
Located 38 miles from the main entrance at the park's southern end, Flamingo Visitor Center offers natural history exhibits, backcountry permits, and information on Flamingo's visitor services. Some services are limited during the off-season.
In addition, the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades City, located at the west entrance, has maps, backcountry permits, information, boat tours, canoe rentals, bookstore and displays of shore and marine life. Shark Valley Visitor Center, on the Tamiami Trail (US Hwy 41), offers sightseeing trams, bicycle rentals and a bookshop.
Boat Tours
See page 42 for more information.
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, call (305) 247-7272, (800) 788-0511, or #NPS from a cell phone. First aid is available from park rangers and at the park's ranger stations. Check locally for the location of the closest hospital or urgent care facility.
Gas and Service Stations
Gasoline and propane may be obtained in nearby communities around the park. Gas is also available at the Flamingo Marina.
Laundry and Showers
Cold showers are available at Flamingo Campground.
Lodging
Flamingo Lodge is closed indefinitely because of damage sustained from Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina. Lodging is available in nearby Homestead, Florida City and in the greater Miami area. Contact the Tropical Everglades Visitor Association at (800) 388-9669 or the Homestead & Florida City Chamber of Commerce at (305) 247-2332 for more information.
Lost and Found
To report a lost or found item, go to a park visitor center or call (305) 242-7700.
Marinas and Boat Ramps
Boat launching ramps are available in Everglades City near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Flamingo, West Lake, Paurotis Pond (motorless boats only) and along the main park road. Check at visitor centers for horsepower restrictions.
Postal Services
Post offices are located in nearby communities.
Religious Services
Churches of several denominations are located outside the park in Florida City, Everglades City and Homestead.
Supplies and Souvenirs
Film is available at the Ernest F. Coe, Royal Palm and Shark Valley visitor centers. No film processing is available.
The Flamingo Marina Store offers snacks, groceries, souvenirs, camping supplies, bait, tackle and fuel.
Everglades In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
