When most people think of Florida, they think about Disney World, Universal Studios, and the beaches. But Florida is so much more than that! Just a short drive from all the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps is the Everglades National Park, one of the most unique places in the United States. Floridians are proud of their state’s many natural treasures, and the Everglades is chief among them. this massive park is unlike any other in the world, and a visit here is sure to be a memorable experience. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Glorious Everglades!
A Brief History
The Everglades has a long and storied history. The park was first protected by the Federal Government in 1934, and was formally established as a National Park in 1947. The park spans over 1.5 million acres, making it one of the largest protected areas in the United States. To put that into perspective, it’s about one and a half times the size of Delaware!
The park gets its name from the abundant growth of sawgrass that covers much of its wetlands. “Everglade” is derived from the Spanish word “river of grass.” Early settlers were dismayed by the seemingly endless swamp, but today we know that this river of grass is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. In fact, the Everglades is sometimes referred to as a “biosphere reserve” because of the wide variety of ecosystems that can be found here.
What to see and do
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in the Everglades. visitors can explore mangrove forests, take an airboat ride through the marshes, go kayaking or canoeing down slow-moving rivers, or even hike through dry prairies and cypress forests. You can even go fishing! Just be sure to get a permit first. There’s something for everyone in this unique and magical place!
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for something different to do on your next Florida vacation, the Everglades National Park is definitely worth a visit. With its unique location and variety of activities available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
