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“Stay right there, I have to get the book,” directs Park Ranger Maggie, at Big Cypress National Preserve.
The book is where Park Rangers record the “quote of the day.” I don’t inquire if all National Park sites have a quote of the day book, or just Big Cypress. I am too excited.
Entering the Oasis Visitors’ Center to get our stamp, Park Ranger Maggie spots my, “I’m Just Here to Snuggle the Wildlife,” t-shirt. The shirt makes me giggle, since most of the wildlife at Big Cypress National Preserve are alligators. I’m ecstatic that Park Ranger Maggie understands my sense of humor. I’m honored to be a National Park quote of the day.
My alligator goals are already met at the Oasis Visitors’ Center.
If you need to see a live alligator as soon as possible, and don’t have the time to visit the interior of the South Florida parks, there’s a boardwalk over a reservoir, for alligator viewing.
Next, our car sets off on Big Cypress National Preserve’s 27-mile Loop Road. The best part about the Loop Road, is that you can pull over, or not pull over, at your leisure.
There is abundant wildlife.
Our morning routine, get in the car, drive a few feet, pull over, get out of the car, see something neat, repeat.
We lose count of the alligators.
I imagine the alligators purposefully plan their days.
“Hey Karl, what are you planning today?.”
“Hey Frank. Figure I’ll go sit on the side of the road, you know, give the folks a nice show. Let them get some good pictures.”
There are also birds,
and cute turtles.
We want to walk the trail, where snails live, but time is up. We have a tram reservation at Shark Valley we can’t miss.
You go to Big Cypress for the wildlife, but the trees, views, and overall scenery, are equally fantastic.
Though we only plan to spend the morning at Big Cypress National Preserve, we could easily spend a whole day enjoying the nature.
If you are road-tripping from Miami, to the Keys, or Everglades, I recommend a stop at Big Cypress National Preserve.
A shout-out to Rob from 2TravelDads. His post inspired me to visit Big Cypress and it did not disappoint – You can read Rob’s post – Big Cypress National Preserve – Awesome Exploring with Kids
If you want to visit more National Park Sites in the area, check out
Everglades National Park-Shark Valley
Everglades National Park-Coe and Flamingo
Stay in Miami as a home base
