Orlando Wetlands Park

This man-made marshland is one of the best places to experience Floridian wildlife in its own habitat.

Situated in east-central Florida, Orlando Wetlands Park is a 1650-acre park where you can hike the various trail loops through the marshes and have phenomenal close encounters with native wildlife. Orlando Wetlands is a man-made park that was created to provide better treatment of reclaimed water from the surrounding areas. This beautiful wetland is the perfect habitat for so many different Floridian species. You can visit the park any time of year and have a wonderful experience, but winter and spring are perhaps the best seasons to come since the wildlife tends to be more active. The park is also relatively exposed without much shade, so visiting in the cooler months helps you avoid unbearable heat.

Most people visit Orlando Wetlands Park to hike the trail loops. There is a 4-mile loop that allows you to explore the best parts of the park and a shorter birding trail for anyone who thoroughly enjoys birdwatching as a pastime. You are also welcome to participate in biking, photography, picnicking, and horseback riding on the designated trails. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see includes alligators, blue herons, turtles, raccoons, otters, and many others. There are over 220 species of birds and 63 butterfly species throughout Orlando Wetlands. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are also free tram tours through the park every weekend between 9 and 3 (September through May on Sundays). Orlando Wetlands Park is the place to come if you love observing wildlife in its natural habitat!