Welcome to the Big Cypress Tour
Take the road less traveled with this self-guided driving tour through the lush wetlands of Big Cypress National Preserve. Stroll along scenic boardwalks through the preserve’s diverse habitats, dig into the fraught history of this fragile ecosystem, and of course, keep your eyes peeled for alligators! As you tour this serene and strangely beautiful land, you’ll hear about the Seminole tribe, plans to destroy the preserve to build an airport, and a whole lot more.
About the Tour
The below information about the tour is from Miami. If you start the tour from Ochopee, the information will simply be in reverse.
Your Big Cypress tour begins on the outskirts of Miami, right near the entrance to the Big Cypress National Preserve. As you drive, you’ll first pass the Miccosukee Indian Village and hear about the history of indigenous people in south Florida. Then you’ll get a feel for more recent history, like the artist who put this landscape on the map.
The first trail you’ll see is the Tree Snail Hammock Trail, where you can spot rare snails known as “living jewels.” Beyond that is the secluded Loop Road. Cruising through the lush greenery, you’ll learn about the history of the road, including grand plans for a new Miami.
Gator Hook Trail, up next, offers adventure-seekers a chance to actually wade into the swamp and really immerse themselves in this verdant wilderness. Around here, you’ll also get familiar with a 1960s plan to build an airport over Big Cypress, and what happened to that scheme.
Then you’ll see Kirby Storter Roadside Park, one of the preserve’s most iconic attractions. Featuring a boardwalk through a lush forest, this is one you won’t want to miss!
Another roadside park waits just ahead, known as one of the best spots around to spot some local wildlife. Beyond that is the ever-quirky “smallest post office in America,” where you’ll certainly want to pick up an unusual souvenir!
Finally, you’ll arrive at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, where your tour will conclude.
Starting Point Addresses
From Miami: 29701 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
From Ochopee: 33000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
What You'll See
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Welcome
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Five Habitats
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Miccosukee Indian Village
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The Seminole
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Sam Vinikoff
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Artists in Residence
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Tree Snail Hammock Trail
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Loop Road
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Colorful Characters
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Big Cypress Jetport
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Gator Hook Trail
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Preserve or Park?
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Kirby Storter Roadside Park
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Off-Road Woes
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Cypress Survival
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H.P. Williams Roadside Park
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Florida Panther
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The Smallest Post Office in America
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Visitor Center
Preview the Tour
Miccosukee Indian Audio Story
Florida Panther Audio Story
Additional Information
What do we do?
Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!
Lifetime Validity
Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.
No Network Needed
The tour works offline which means you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc before you head out for a completely immersive experience.
Entry Ticket Info
There is no entrance fee to access the national preserve. Fees are collected within the national preserve for some facilities and the processing of off-road vehicle permits.
3 - 4 Hours
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