The newest attraction along Alligator Alley shows visitors the nature of Florida. The Everglades Elevated Boardwalk was opened in Aug. 2025. Located right off of I-75, it includes ponds, paths and a variety of native plants.
This boardwalk is a $12 million project executed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) which involved refurbishing a large truck parking lot into a maze of boardwalks and pathways with signs identifying native plants and trees. The FDOT’s project was intended to foster connections between wildlife and people.
This boardwalk offers an observation tower that is three stories high which captures sunsets, sunrises and showcases the beauty of the Florida Everglades.
“I really love going to the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk so I can see the beautiful sunsets that Florida has to offer,” freshman Sienna Shear said.
In addition, the boardwalk shows educational displays that highlight unique plants, wildlife and history that show how the Everglades is a vital part of Florida.
This boardwalk offers a rest stop to visitors driving on I-75. It has picnic table facilities, restrooms, parking and a playground with a 15-foot bronze alligator which is destined to be a photo spot to travelers. This beautiful place offers easy on-off access from I-75, convenient to all traveling on that road.
Many visitors are grateful that they can see the Florida Everglades in a natural form due to the fact that many habitats across South Florida are getting destroyed.
Some of the many ways that they are getting destroyed are from fragmentation and development, pollution, climate change and destructive invasive species, including Burmese pythons and Old World climbing ferns.
“What is happening to some South Florida habitats is so sad, but I’m glad I can still go to this boardwalk to enjoy the Everglades,” freshman Gia McKaig said.
Overall, the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk is a beautiful place to visit with family, friends and loved ones. This boardwalk offers a peaceful and beautiful natural retreat for travelers along Alligator Alley by combining nature with education.
