Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Refuge protects a remnant of the once vast northern Everglades. At the Visitor Center you can take a virtual airboat ride, listen to night sounds of the Everglades and explore a gator hole - all without getting wet! Behind the Visitor Center you can explore the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, a 0.4-mile trail that loops through towering cypress trees, pond apple trees, ferns and other flora of the swamp.Then relax in the nearby Butterfly Garden, or head across the road to the Marsh Trail. The 0.8-mile Marsh Trail is one of several walking trails along the grass levees that encircle impoundment areas, where different water levels provide habitat for various types of wading birds and other wildlife. Bring your camera and binoculars! You might see an endangered Wood Stork or Snail Kite, or any of 270 other species of birds. While walking the trails, look for tracks in the soft sand. Common tracks include those of bobcats, otters, alligators, raccoons, armadillos and birds.See the Everglades up close and personal in a canoe or kayak on the 5.5-mile Canoe Trail! Or enjoy the view from the levee as you ride along the 12-mile Bike Trail alongside the main canal. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are available for rent. Try your luck fishing from the pier for largemouth bass, bluegill and bullhead catfish. Boating and sport fishing are also allowed in the main canal. State regulations for fishing licenses apply. Airboats are not allowed on the Refuge, but Loxahatchee Everglades Tours operates just south of the Refuge. Guided bird and nature walks and canoe trips take place on a regular basis. Ranger-led school tours are available by appointment.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
449 reviews
Excellent
288
Very good
120
Average
33
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Michael d
Lake Worth, FL7 contributions
Feb 2022
I've been coming here to bird watch for the past 10 years, at least once a week, leisurely strolling around for hours with my field glasses and my field guide, counting the number of bird species I could identify and making notes in my field journal. It used to be heavenly, quiet and tranquil, not many people, especially on the weekends, so it was lovely. The few people I would encounter were respectful and kindred -- fellow birdwatchers, wildlife photographers with their telephoto lenses and tripods, backpacking hikers, and the occasional landscape painter with their easels and brushes. Nature lovers all. It was lovely. But now they've ruined it by allowing people to bring their dogs in. They had a strict "No Dogs Allowed" policy for at least a decade, and probably a lot longer than that, but in order to increase usage and revenues (this by their own admission) they've lifted the ban. Now, like everyplace else, there's dogs everywhere, especially on the weekends. Nothing can ruin a tranquil "nature vibe'" more than the sound of a barking dog. And naturally, the sight, sound and scent of the brutish beasts terrorizes the wildlife so you see far fewer birds. It's such a pity. It used to be so lovely.
Dogs in a nature preserve? Really?
Dogs in a nature preserve? Really?
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DT355
Worcester, MA82 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I visited for several hours in late December.
We first went to the southern site (where the airboat tours leave). We walked the trails there which were interesting but not as interesting as the more northern site with the visitor center. They are less crowded but the frequent airboat noise can distract from the experience. There is a porta-potty but no other services at this site.
We left and went to the more norther site where found the visitor's center interesting and the staff very helpful. When we asked about where to find a certain trail the staffmember accopanied us out of the building to show us exactly where to go. The trails are not particularly well-marked but if you use the map or look for the towers you will not get lost. They are flat and would be accessible for people of all different levels of fitness and health.
We spotted many birds and several alligators. Bring rain gear if you are going to hike and there is even a slight chance of rain in the forecast. We did get soaked while walking. On the bright side, we did get to see several rainbows.
We first went to the southern site (where the airboat tours leave). We walked the trails there which were interesting but not as interesting as the more northern site with the visitor center. They are less crowded but the frequent airboat noise can distract from the experience. There is a porta-potty but no other services at this site.
We left and went to the more norther site where found the visitor's center interesting and the staff very helpful. When we asked about where to find a certain trail the staffmember accopanied us out of the building to show us exactly where to go. The trails are not particularly well-marked but if you use the map or look for the towers you will not get lost. They are flat and would be accessible for people of all different levels of fitness and health.
We spotted many birds and several alligators. Bring rain gear if you are going to hike and there is even a slight chance of rain in the forecast. We did get soaked while walking. On the bright side, we did get to see several rainbows.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness590477
2 contributions
Jun 2020
This is a great place to do some walking and hiking, weather permitting. It can be hot and wet in the spring and summer months. My girlfriend and I started going on a regular weekend basis due to COVID 19 restrictions in all other area parks. We have continued going even after other parks have started reopening because we love to walk outside and there are many clearly marked trails. The only problem is that other than the short boardwalk, every thing else is not covered. So take plenty of water, sun tan lotion and insect repellent in the summer. Also has a canoe loop trail, and water access for boaters. Have not done canoes yet but plan to soon.
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lhq
Florida230 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
The canoe and kayak rental is very reasonable, no reservation needed, and it’s a lot of fun - we got there just when they opened at 10, went on a partly cloudy day in the 70s, and did about an hour and a half paddle. The sawgrass is lovely, very peaceful, great views, saw lots of waterfowl. Forgot to bring my fishing pole but we’ll be back!
Written 29 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mttaylor9
Baltimore, MD837 contributions
Oct 2022
We love exploring nature in Florida but this raised boardwalk wasn't the best in the area for sure. The park charges $10 entry and they don't upkeep like Gumbo Limbo or other parks in the area.
The store was closed as well but the exhibits in the visitor center were really well done. The "airboat" exhibit was good but the swamp at night was amazing.
The store was closed as well but the exhibits in the visitor center were really well done. The "airboat" exhibit was good but the swamp at night was amazing.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miika H
Lahti, Finland210 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited on last Martin Luther King day, last January. It was free entrance on that day.
We choose wrong entrance (too much in the south), because we read our map wrong. It wasn't that route what we expected, this is a huge place and we didn't have to go to the other entrance.
We parked our car and walked as long as we still had time to come back in the daylight. It was afternoon and again, this is a huge place and it gets dark very quickly! There are plenty of different animals, you just have to be quiet and look very carefully, they are hiding of course.
We saw many different birds, one of them catching a big fish and swallowing it as a whole -that was fun to see! We also saw first alligators here, swimming slowly. Sunset was fantastic!
This would have been even more nice experience with more time and with a watch tower, which was now too far away. Now the main sight was just sawgrass. We recommend to take water and food with you for a picnic, but don't throw anything to the ground!
We regret three teen girls who shouted and were more interested about taking photos of themselves, than a nature. There were also motor boats and air boats, harassing animals. Especially the last ones don't belong to the wild nature, that's my opinion.
We choose wrong entrance (too much in the south), because we read our map wrong. It wasn't that route what we expected, this is a huge place and we didn't have to go to the other entrance.
We parked our car and walked as long as we still had time to come back in the daylight. It was afternoon and again, this is a huge place and it gets dark very quickly! There are plenty of different animals, you just have to be quiet and look very carefully, they are hiding of course.
We saw many different birds, one of them catching a big fish and swallowing it as a whole -that was fun to see! We also saw first alligators here, swimming slowly. Sunset was fantastic!
This would have been even more nice experience with more time and with a watch tower, which was now too far away. Now the main sight was just sawgrass. We recommend to take water and food with you for a picnic, but don't throw anything to the ground!
We regret three teen girls who shouted and were more interested about taking photos of themselves, than a nature. There were also motor boats and air boats, harassing animals. Especially the last ones don't belong to the wild nature, that's my opinion.
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aBoater
Newton, MA270 contributions
Feb 2020
While not as good as going to Everglades National Park, this venue is far more easily accessible. It has helpful volunteers, several miles of trails suitable for walking or biking, an elevated boardwalk, and even canoe rentals. There’s also a free tram tour, though you have to register for it in advance. Best to go early for birding, of course. Check with the Refuge for opening hours.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vasile123
New York City, NY769 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
There are two walking trails; one 0.4 mile boardwalk through the Cypress swamp, which is very interesting as you seem to be in a different world, and a much longer walk along levees, called the math trail. This is across the street and we found it pretty boring. We visited in the afternoon on MLK holiday so luckily we did not have to pay. If you only have a couple of hours, they would be better spent in Wakodahatchee wetlands, where the number of birds you can see is unbelievable. Here, we have only seen a few birds. It is quiet and peaceful though, and probably when the visitor center is open there is more to learn.
Written 18 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky V
Norcross, GA353 contributions
Jun 2020
Wonderful place to visit. Quiet and safe and room to get around. Lots of parking.
We did the kayak 5.5 mile trip this visit and had a great time paddling through the everglades. Saw some neat birds and a big buck.
We did the kayak 5.5 mile trip this visit and had a great time paddling through the everglades. Saw some neat birds and a big buck.
Written 23 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Florida3,433 contributions
Nov 2020
We came before sundown. Very busy with fisherman. The place is huge. We saw a few Gators, a hawk, some unique birds, and many of the regulars like buzzards, cranes, etc. We did a 30-minute walk along the retention wall as the normal path was blocked by heavy machinery. The airboat sound was annoying as we try to stay away fro m the launch areas so we can enjoy the sounds of nature. A must-do for visitors seeking to see real Florida.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The indoor nature center is too tight space wise for a dog, but perhaps the acreage where they do research might be a good place for the dog to walk on a leash. It is acres with very little visitors unless you have a special unusually deep interest in preservation techniques. The Boardwalk area wildlife I think would not be comfortable with outside animals, But check with the center by all means, before you make assumptions from our opinions.. I am a dog lover who wants dogs to be comfortable and in my mind only one area of the preserve would be OK.
Written 10 April 2019
Can you kayak here? and if so do they provide kayaks?
Written 6 February 2018
You absolutely can and it's great. There are kayaks and canoes for rent or you can bring your own. A naturalumist guide leads a tour throu the Glades on Sat. am. You have to sign up in advance. Call 561-734-8303 for info.
Written 7 February 2018
Hi. I would like to come here with my (active) 90 year old dad. I'm 61 and love to walk. Is it good even for an hour or so? Would love to see birds, nests, etc. Thanks!
Written 1 December 2016
Yes, certainly! We have a .4 mile cypress swamp boardwalk behind the Visitor Center that your Dad might enjoy. You mostly see cypress trees and ferns and hear the birds there more than see them. We have the Marsh Trail and a number of other trails on the levees around the impoundments where you might have a better chance of seeing alligators and birds - the trails are grassy and pretty flat, so they should not be difficult for your Dad. If you don't spot an alligator anywhere else, you might drive out to the boat launch and fishing pier at the end of Lee Road. There's usually an alligator waiting and hoping to catch the fisherman's catch before the fisherman does. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Written 1 December 2016
Oui, Loxahatchee Canoeing rents bicycles for $10/hour when someone is there, usually 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. every day. Call Loxahatchee Canoeing at 561-733-0192. Bonne visite!
Written 22 February 2016
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