The Everglades National Park is located off US 41 between Tampa and Miami. But the Florida Panthers play in Sunrise, which is reached directly via I-75. Given the limited amount of time we had, the National Park was not an option. But we still wanted to experience some of the swamp, and were fortunate to find the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary just 30 miles from Estero.
The sanctuary is run by the Audubon Society and consists of a 2-mile long boardwalk that runs through a swamp. There are also some displays in the visitor center. It only takes an hour or so to walk the length of the trail, but they suggest 2.5 to 3 hours to really take your time looking for wildlife. Entry is $10 and there is a $2 companion book that discusses what you might see while walking through. Binoculars are also available.
Alligators, wading birds, small lizards and mammals are frequently spotted. This is a pretty cool place and worth a visit if you have time. As well, when you leave, you can take county road 858 and US 29 to I-75, thus avoiding the Alligator Alley toll.
I've put some pictures of some wildlife that I saw.
Best,
Sean
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