Big Cypress National Preserve
National Preserve ยท Florida
NPS Photo
Protected area in Florida, United States
Big Cypress National Preserve is a United States national preserve located in South Florida, about 45 miles (72ย km) west of Miami on the Atlantic coastal plain. The 720,000-acre (2,900ย km2) Big Cypress, along with Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, became the first national preserves in the United States National Park System when they were established on October 11, 1974. Florida film producer Elam Stoltzfus has featured the preserve and its photographers Niki and Clyde Butcher in several PBS and other documentaries, beginning with the half-hour "Visions of Florida: the Photographic Art of Clyde Butcher" produced in 1990.
About Big Cypress National Preserve
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Big Cypress National Preserve
The preserve is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Oasis Visitor Center and the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center are closed on December 25th. No fee is charged for access to the preserve.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Big Cypress National Preserve?
Big Cypress National Preserve is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Big Cypress National Preserve?
Popular activities at Big Cypress National Preserve include: Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, ATV Off-Roading, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking.
What is the weather like at Big Cypress National Preserve?
Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons- wet and dry. RAINY SEASON (May through October) While visiting during this season you may find daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and a multitude of mosquitoes. DRY SEASON (November through April) Falling water levels within Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.
How do I get to Big Cypress National Preserve?
Big Cypress National Preserve is located along Tamiami Trail East (US 41) and I-75 in southern Florida. The preserve can be accessed by driving from the cities of Miami and Naples. The preserve's two visitor centers are located along Tamiami Trail East.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons- wet and dry. RAINY SEASON (May through October) While visiting during this season you may find daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and a multitude of mosquitoes. DRY SEASON (November through April) Falling water levels within Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.
Directions
Big Cypress National Preserve is located along Tamiami Trail East (US 41) and I-75 in southern Florida. The preserve can be accessed by driving from the cities of Miami and Naples. The preserve's two visitor centers are located along Tamiami Trail East.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Florida
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