Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
More than 145,000 acres of northern Everglades, with trails at the edge of the marsh.
See top-rated activities »About the Refuge
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge was set aside in 1951 and now covers 145,188 acres, most of it a single great sheet of sawgrass, wet prairie and tree islands enclosed by levees. It is what remains of the northern Everglades, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service counts more than 250 bird species here along with alligators, turtles, otters and a 400-acre cypress swamp. The refuge is named for Arthur R. Marshall, a Florida scientist who spent his career arguing for the Everglades’ restoration.
The way in for most visitors is the headquarters entrance at 10216 Lee Road, off U.S. 441 (State Road 7) west of Boynton Beach, about 30 minutes’ drive south of Loxahatchee. The visitor center there is open daily and has exhibits and staff who can tell you what has been seen lately. From the parking areas, the Marsh Trail loops around a set of managed impoundments where herons, egrets, ibises, anhingas and wintering ducks feed in the shallows and alligators bask on the banks. Walk it early in the morning or in the last hours before closing.
The Cypress Swamp Boardwalk next to the visitor center has been closed until further notice, and maintenance work on the impoundments can leave some trails muddy, so check the refuge’s alerts before you go. A canoe trail starts near the Lee Road boat ramp for paddlers who bring their own boats, and the Perimeter Levee Trail is open to bicycles and is the only trail where leashed pets are allowed. A daily or annual vehicle entrance fee applies.
The refuge’s southern Hillsboro area is reached from Loxahatchee Road in western Broward County; a road construction detour is expected to last into early 2027. Airboats run commercially just outside the refuge boundary at the end of Loxahatchee Road, and any bookable ride we could find appears below. Each February the refuge and its Friends group host Everglades Day, a free festival of guided walks, tram tours and children’s activities. Our free travel newsletter is a good way to hear about other Florida nature trips.
Don’t Miss
The headquarters entrance, visitor center, Marsh Trail and canoe-trail launch; check the alerts page for closures before you go.
A loop around managed impoundments that is the refuge’s most reliable spot for wading birds and alligators.
The volunteer group behind Everglades Day and other programs at the refuge.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Refuge
Tours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Loxahatchee Guide may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your time in the Refuge
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Get free trip quotes »the Refuge — FAQ
How far is the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge from Loxahatchee?
The Lee Road entrance is about 30 minutes south by State Road 7. Despite the name, the refuge is not in the community of Loxahatchee itself.
Can you see alligators at the refuge?
Usually, yes. Alligators are commonly seen along the Marsh Trail impoundments, especially on cool, sunny mornings. Keep a safe distance and never feed them.
Is the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk open?
It was closed until further notice when we checked. The refuge’s official page lists current closures.
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