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Big Cypress National Preserve is a federally protected area and the name
refers to the 1,139 square miles of dwarf cypress trees that fill the park.
There are alligators, snakes, wading birds, and the rare Florida panther
here. Thirty-one miles of hiking trails and two main roads for vehicles
offer excellent views of the wildlife. The camping here is very primitive
with no running water.
Within the Preserve is the Ah Tah Thi Ki Museum, which has fascinating
exhibits about the life of the Seminole Indian tribe. Safari packages are
available that allow visitors to experience a bit of Seminole life by
sleeping in a chickee hut and enjoying Indian cuisine. For information about the tribe see
www.seminoletribe.com.
Marco Island is the only inhabited island in the 10,000 islands. It is a
highly developed resort area with white sand beaches popular with English and
German tourists. For information, call 800 788-6262.
Everglades City (population below 1500) survives due to fishermen and
tourists.
Lodging:
There is tent camping at Glades Haven (941) 695-3954, which has hot showers
available. The Gulf Coast Ranger Station is across the street and a great
resource for information on the 10,000 islands and Everglades.
A Bed & Breakfast called "On the Banks of the Everglades" is actually a
renovated bank building where you can eat breakfast in the vault. (941)
695-3151.
The Ivey House Hotel rents bikes and runs excellent nature trips. (941
695-3299
The Rod and Gun Club Lodge was built as a posh hunting lodge in the 1920's.
(941) 695-2101.
The Captains Table has a restaurant by the same name next door (800)
741-6430.
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