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The Big Cypress National Preserve is area of 2400 square miles in south central Florida. The major portion
exists between I-75 (Alligator Alley) and US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail). Congress set aside over 1000 acres in
1974 for the preserve and expanded it in 1988. The Tamiami Trail was my route; the welcome center at the preserve's
headquarters on the western side.
Inside the welcome center, one of the displays is a Native American canoe.
A view of the everglades behind the welcome center.
There's a dirt road along the western edge of the preserve from the Tamiami Trail and Alligator Alley. I took
the road north for a few miles without seeing any significant wildlife and was suprised to see some residences
in the preserve. Later, back on US 41 this post office was spotted. It is considered to be the smallest in the US.
In 1953 a disastrous fire destroyed Ochopee's General Store and Post Office; this irrigation shed was obtained.
It has been in service since then as a post office and ticket station for Trailways bus lines.
Close to the post office is this restaurant. Hopefully, the great-food-just-ahead sign is for this cafe and not
implying one should go a little further. A little further would not be just ahead but several miles.
Abandoned building next to the cafe.
Further down the road a small business sells souvenirs and for $5 one can go through a small zoo. I didn't view
the zoo. Out front was this large sculpture of a Florida panther, I figured it was the closest I come to seeing one.
Next stop was by a small lake. Across the parking lot in a cypress tree, these
two red shouldered hawks were viewing the glades.
Next stop, a small nature trail into the glades. A view from the trail.
Cyprus seed pods.
A small rest area along the walk.
Next two pics taken near the end of the trail, in a swampier area.
An egret.
Near the east side of the preserve is the Oasis Visitor Center.
Inside the visitor center this stuffed panther. It was killed by an automobile and this is now his final resting place.
Outside the center a small garden of everglade plants exists. This butterfly was enjoying it.
A resident of a small canal next to the center.
Another resident, a great blue heron.
Yet another, an anhinga drying his wings. It is a diving bird.
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