Free Homestead National Parks Trolley to Launch at January 4 Celebration

Date: December 31, 2013
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700
Contact: Media Contact only:  Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Biscayne National Park: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679

HOMESTEAD, Florida: Join us Saturday, January 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to celebrate the launch of the first ever public transportation to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks! Free transportation, free parking, a guided tour, and waived entrance fees are all part of this exciting new public service. This innovative project, a partnership between the City of Homestead and Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, is the only public transportation available to these South Florida National Parks. Live music, free food and educational programs will be enjoyed by all at the Trolley grand opening including National Park Conservation Mascot Teddy Mather, National Park Superintendents, Local Girl and Boy Scout Troops, and City of Homestead officials.

 

Every weekend from January to April, free trolley rides to Everglades and Biscayne National Park will depart from Historic Downtown Homestead. Trolley riders receive free admission to both National Parks and to the Homestead Bayfront Park beach, where the trolley also makes a stop. Visitors will enjoy an educational guided tour while they ride in the trolley in which they will learn about the history and ecosystems of our National Parks and how these relate to the history of Homestead and Miami-Dade County.

 

The Homestead National Parks Trolley departs every Saturday and Sunday from picturesque Historic Downtown Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will enjoy area restaurants, take in Homestead’s beautiful historic architecture, or visit the free Old Town Hall Museum before or after their visit to the parks. The Trolley stop is located at Losner Park in Historic Downtown Homestead at 104 N. Krome Avenue and connects to bus routes from Miami-Dade County public transportation. There is also plenty of free parking adjacent to the trolley stop.

 

The Homestead National Parks Trolley takes visitors to Everglades National Park’s Ernest Coe Visitor Center and the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm. It also travels to Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center and boardwalk as well as Miami-Dade County’s Homestead Bayfront Park, where visitors can swim at the atoll beach.

 

This program is the result of efforts of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in collaboration with the National Park Service and the City of Homestead. NPCA is America’s voice for national parks and works to protect and enhance America’s National Park System for current and future generation.

 

The inauguration of the Homestead National Parks Trolley will take place Saturday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when the first Trolley ride departs to Biscayne National Park. Live music, free food, educational booths and surprise guests will be featured. For more information on the Homestead National Parks Trolley schedule and routes as well as ranger-guided walks at the National Parks and other activities, please visit: www.cityofhomestead.com/gateway

 

WHAT:         Free Homestead National Park Trolley service to begin.

WHEN:        Kickoff event January 4, 2014 (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.); each weekend from January to April.

WHERE:     Losner Park in Historic Downtown Homestead (104 N. Krome Avenue) to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks and the atoll beach at Miami-Dade County’s Homestead Bayfront Park.