Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

With its cathedral-like old growth cypress forest and abundant resident wildlife, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife and nature viewing and photographic experiences in the world. But when it was established in 1954, it was a remote wilderness, attracting fewer than 10,000 visitors annually in its early years.

A 2.25-mile raised boardwalk takes visitors through four distinct environments: a pine upland, a wet prairie, a cypress forest and a marsh. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk, plus a field guide and Children's Activity Book (available at the admissions desk in the Blair Center) allow each visitor to take the self-guided tour. There are also benches and rain shelters along the trail. For those who do not wish to walk the full 2.25 miles, an optional trail shortens the walk to one mile. Volunteer naturalists are usually on the boardwalk to answer questions. Allow about 2–3 hours.

You can host a private event, such as a wedding, while surrounded by the majesty of nature at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.