On Highway 41, roughly halfway between Shark Valley and the exit for Everglades City and Everglades National Park’s western access, this is one of two headquarters for information about exploring the vast expanse of preserve land, hiking trails, scenic drives, and waterways. The older of the two, it is also a great place to overlook alligators from the boardwalk in front of the visitor center.

Exhibits and a video inside the center orient your family to the preserve’s flora and fauna, including the bald cypress tree, for which it is named. Rangers can also show you ways to explore the preserve and inform you about seasonal programs with maps and other handouts.