The weather is cooling a bit and, in theory, it’s a great time to visit South Florida’s national parks. The U.S. government shutdown is causing confusion, though, about whether the parks are open and what kind of experience visitors will encounter.
So here are the facts: The parks, including most hiking trails, roads and boardwalks, are open. Concessions, such as kayak rentals and ferry services, are operating and anxious for business.
But at most parks, fewer employees are working, phones are often not being answered, and websites are not being updated to let the public know if there are any sudden changes.
According to the National Park Service, donations are helping to keep the parks operational.
In an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, a National Park Service spokesperson said: “Governors and partners in several states, including Florida, have been working with the National Park Service to establish short-term agreements with donations to help maintain operations during the lapse in appropriations. These agreements allow visitor centers and other facilities to remain open and accessible to the public using state or partner-provided funds until federal funding is restored.”
Here’s a compilation of what’s open, based on website information and phone calls. There is much confusion about the status of the parks during the shutdown, so if you go, you may have these great spaces all to yourself.
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
Hours: 24 hours a day, every day
Entrance fee: $35 a car
Open:
- Shark Valley Tram Tours — $34 per adult; 305-221-8455 or sharkvalleytramtours.com. The concession also offers bike rentals for $27 a day.
- Flamingo Adventures — restaurant, marina, camping, kayaking, boat tours, hiking trails, hotel (a studio is $259 in winter and $239 off-season); 855-708-2207 or flamingoeverglades.com.
Information: 305-242-7700; nps.gov/ever/index.htm
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee
Hours: 24 hours a day
Entrance fee: Free
Closed: Off-road vehicle office
Open: Off-road vehicle trails are still open to vehicles with permits.
Information: 239-695-2000; nps.gov/bicy/index.htm
BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
Address: 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead
Entrance fee: Free
Open:
- Boat Experiences and other eco-adventures through the park operated by the Biscayne National Park Institute.
- A Biscayne Bay cruise is $83 for 3 1/2 hours, while two hours of kayaking in the mangroves is $39.
Information: 786-335-3620; nps.gov/bisc/index.htm
DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
Address: 70 miles west of Key West, accessible only by boat or seaplane
Hours: 24 hours a day
Entrance fee: $15 a person
Open: Concessions are operating as usual, including:
- Yankee Freedom Ferry Ride — leaves from Key West for a 2 1/2-hour ride to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson; drytortugas.com.
- Key West Seaplane Adventures — takes guests on a 40-minute flight to the islands; keywestseaplanecharters.com.
Information: 305-242-7700; nps.gov/drto/index.htm
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