From the Caribbean heat of Miami Beach to the exuberant family fun of Orlando, the state of Florida is one of the nation’s most diverse vacation destinations. Even more importantly, it’s also one of the most diverse ecological destinations, with regions comparable even to South American rainforests.
Among these, the sadly narrowing dollop of natural wetlands we call the Everglades stand leagues beyond the rest, robust to this day with remarkable creatures, one-of-a-kind fauna and yet-to-be-discovered life. The Everglades are best known as a far South Florida attraction, but in fact their northern peak stretches over 150 miles north of Florida’s southern tip to a place called the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. That’s where we’re headed today.
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: big in name, big in size, big in relevance. The 143,874-acre refuge sprawls over Florida plain, Cypress swamp and a sweeping cross-section of natural Florida marshland. The area is so large and so abundant, in fact, that only a small portion of it need be made available to the public. The remainder is closed off for preservation and research.
What people do with what little we’ve been given is dive into a world of endless ecological wealth. Here are just a few popular attractions that draw visitors week after week to the refuge:
- Sightseeing trails
- Observation tower
- Bird watching / wildlife watching
- Photography
- Canoeing / kayaking
- Sport fishing
- Waterfowl hunting
- Bicycling
- Ecological tours
Of course, this being a nationally protected reserve, all of these attractions and activities are strictly regulated, with rules dictating the place and time for each. Waterfowl hunting in particular is closely watched and regulated, so follow the rules to avoid getting a ticket.
If you’re happy just to see the animals and don’t feel a need to murder them, you’re in real luck. The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of distinct bird species, including beautiful herons, egrets, wood storks and wading birds. If gamier sights are your bag, hit one of the canoe trails for an up close and personal sight of the American alligator, still alive in abundance throughout the marsh.
The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is open daily, sunrise to sunset, however areas may be closed without notification due to season, weather or various park reasons. The refuge is technically free to visit, although there is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee (no vehicle, no fee). Vehicle movement around the refuge is strictly limited; you’ll be better off parking it and traveling on foot to whatever you need. Learn more.
We fully support getting back to nature and discovering the beauty, the majesty and the importance of our natural ecosystems. But hey, idyllic island beaches are natural too, right?
That’s why we can in good conscience recommend a day at Loxahatchee and then a night at beautiful Singer Island, just 30 miles away. The upscale resort island located on Florida east coast offers many resorts, but we’re fans of the Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort. They welcome you with all the resort amenities you desire, and often at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Have fun at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge!
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One Comment
My favorite attraction here is Bird watching. Birds are so refreshing to look at.