Celebrate National Parks Week at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks!

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Date: April 12, 2011
Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714; Media Contact
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700

Celebrate National Parks Week at Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks!

Special Programs Offered and Entrance Fees waived at both parks April 16 - 24

Homestead/Key West:  Superintendent Dan Kimball announced that Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks will have free admission during National Park Week, April 16 through 24. "We hope that this celebration will motivate our neighbors and visitors in Homestead and the Florida Keys to get out and rediscover these two wonderful places in south Florida," said Kimball.

National Park Week, a program of the National Park Service, is an opportunity to engage families and communities in America’s Great Outdoors, reconnecting them with nature and creating close to home opportunities for people to get outside, be active, and have fun. “We are rolling out the red carpet and inviting everyone to visit a national park and help celebrate National Park Week,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Parks are fun and affordable destinations and great places to engage in healthy, outdoor activities, whether for a few hours or a few days.”

“National parks preserve our heritage, promote recreational experiences, provide places of quiet refuge,” said National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. “Most people live within a short drive of a national park so I encourage everyone to spend some time enjoying America’s Great Outdoors during National Park Week.

Dry Tortugas National Park (click here to plan your visit)

A variety of remarkable experiences await visitors who venture out to this remote national Park, including camping, snorkeling, bird watching, fishing, or just enjoying a view from the top of massive Fort Jefferson-- you quickly realize how magical this place can be.

Ferries will waive park entrance fees of $5 this entire week

Ferries run daily to the park from Key West.
For ferry schedules, prices, and reservations, contact: Yankee Freedom: phone 800-634-0939 or 305-294-7009; on the internet at
www.yankeefreedom.com

Fishing and dive charters can be arranged in the Florida Keys and Naples. For a list of services, contact the park at 305-242-7700.

Everglades National Park (click here to plan your visit)

Shark Valley (click here for directions)

Tram Tours - Buy one tram tour excursion and get second at half off! Contact 305-221-8455. These tours run every hour on the hour from 9am to 4pm

Ranger talk - Our popular "Shark Bite" talk (30 minutes) daily at 2:15 pm (no charge)

4/16-17 & 4/23- Glades for Kids (30 min) (no charge) Join this hands-on program for kids and families. Meet behind the visitor center

Gulf Coast (click here for directions)

Daily Boat Tours out into the 10,000 islands of Florida Bay - Call (239) 695-2591

4/16-17& 4/23 - Ranger-led canoe trips 
Canoe Explorations (4 hours) - 10 am to 2 pm. With a ranger as your guide, take a half day paddle through the Ten Thousand Islands. We’ll look for wildlife, paddle through mangroves and learn about the park’s natural and cultural history. If tide and weather allow, trip may include a walk on an island. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent one. Call the Gulf Coast Visitor Center for additional information and to make reservations (239-695-3311).

4/16 - 4/23 - Ranger guided walk (no charge) 
Nature Walk (35 minutes) - 4:15 pm. Learn about the plants and animals of the area. Meet in front of the visitor center.
  

Flamingo (click here for directions)

Boat Tours available daily into Florida Bay and the Back Country; call 239-695-3101 for fees and reservations 
Florida Bay tours 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30 
Back Country Boat tours – every hour on the hour from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

4/16- 4/23 Mobile Museum 2:30-4:00 Daily (no charge)
Call Flamingo Visitor Center at 239-695-2945 - Stop by this stationary display and marvel at the diverse collection of natural history paraphernalia.

Royal Palm (click here for directions)

Coe Visitor Center - Short Films Daily along with wonderful park exhibits - (no charge) 

4/16 - Aventura y Diversion en los Everglades 7:00- 8:30 pm (no charge) En Espanol 
Venga a ver un espectáculo de realidad gracioso, Everglades, Aventura y Diversión, producido por Univision 23. Después, únanse a la guarda parques Leslie y la familia Tolón para una aventura nocturna propia en el sendero Anhinga.

4/23- Into the Wild: An Everglades National Park Adventure 7:00- 8:30 pm (no charge) 
View the hilarious WPBT2 produced reality show, Into the Wild: An Everglades Adventure. After the show, join Ranger Rudy for your own nighttime adventure on the Anhinga Trail.

After visiting the Coe Visitor Center head into the park free for one of these special activities - All available April 16 - 24

Anhinga Amble (50 minutes) 10:30 am
Interested in seeing wildlife? Join a Ranger in exploring the Anhinga Trail where alligators, wading birds and other wildlife can be easily and frequently spotted.  Meet at the Royal Palm benches.
Pa-Hay-Okee (30 minutes) 10:00 am. Monday & Friday 
A short boardwalk to one of the highest points in the Everglades offers sweeping views of the river of grass. Meet at the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Parking Lot. Bring  your camera!
Gator Spy (30 minutes) 1:00 pm This short walk is all about alligators. Meet at the Royal Palm benches.
Nike Missile Site Tour (1 ½ hours) 2:00 pm Sunday, Tues, Wed & Saturday 
Step into the Cold War past for a tour of an historic Nike Missile Base where U.S. Army soldiers defended the Nation.
Bike Hike (2 ½ hours) 8:00 am Saturday & Sunday 
Explore the Everglades on a bicycle! Bikes, helmets and water provided. Call 305-242-7700 for reservations.
Mahogany Hammock (50 min) 2:00 pm 
Experience on of the most beautiful tree islands in the Everglades! Meet at the Mahogany Hammock parking lot.

-NPS-



Last updated: April 14, 2015

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40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

Phone:

305 242-7700

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