Last updated on November 6th, 2025 at 11:28 am
Travelers have a new and intriguing way to get a taste of the Everglades while traveling I-75 between the east and west coasts of Florida.
Alligator Alley, long maligned as Florida’s most boring road, has a new nature park. It’s an expansive boardwalk with a tower, lush native landscaping, and signage and exhibits about the Everglades. It includes a rest stop that has picnic table facilities, restrooms and parking with easy on-off access from I-75. It’s located 10 miles west of the toll booth in Weston.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) took a large truck parking lot and created a maze of boardwalks and an arboretum of pathways and gardens with signs identifying native plants and trees. There’s a playground and a plaza with a 15-foot bronze alligator that is destined to show up in a whole lot of selfies.
The tower, about three stories high, offers big views of the Everglades and especially the dramatic Florida skies. While there are stairs to the tower, there is also a long gradual ramp that makes it fully accessible.
The complex at Mile Marker 35 on Alligator Alley is called the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk. It cost $12 million dollars and drivers have watched it be built over the last two years.
In winter, it’s in a good spot to see wildlife. When my husband and I stopped in March 2024 during the construction phase, there were alligators floating in the waterway and wading birds hunting for prey.
On an October 2025 visit, the only wildlife we spotted were mosquitofish (gambusia), lots butterflies attracted by the native flowers, a few birds and an exotic invasive lizard (a Peter’s Rock Agama, a colorful African breed.)
Given its location and its manmade ponds, the boardwalk park will attract wildlife as the Everglades dry down in winter. It’s a sure bet alligators will be back.
The boardwalk is a beautiful place to see sunrise or sunset, but the gate is locked overnight.
The boardwalk project was the vision of an FDOT director for this district. Gerry O’Reilly, who retired two years ago, wanted to make this rest stop “a destination where people could appreciate the beautiful nature we have,” according to Billy Canedo, FDOT District 4 communications manager.
Who knew FDOT sees its mission as bringing us closer to nature?
To that end, FDOT is also in the midst of a project to upgrade the boat ramps areas along Alligator Alley.
Alligator Alley is 80 miles long and has a series of rest stops, some of which offer recreation options, including a place where you can hike on the Florida Trail. Here’s our guide to making the most of a drive on Alligator Alley.
I am among the many Floridians who can remember driving on the original Alligator Alley, a dangerous two-lane highway that was replaced in 1992 by the safer, wider, four-lane version that became part of I-75.
With the old Alligator Alley, the Everglades were much closer, with alligators and birds right off the road’s shoulders. Today, fencing prevents alligators from wandering onto the roads.
The other road that crosses the peninsula in South Florida is the Tamiami Trail, which was built first. It’s still an adventure but that’s another story, and here it is: Tamiami Trail, a scenic drive exploring Everglades.
Visiting Everglades National Park: Tips for visitors
How long is the elevated boardwalk? I’m trying to judge how strenuous a walk it is, if we take visitors there.
If you walked from end to end, it’s at most a quarter mile.
Are the picnic tables shaded so that you can sit and eat out of the sun?
Yes. Several of the picnic tables do have roofs.
Thumbs up for the FDOT!
I have a bad feeling that there will be yet another idiot that wants to take a picture with nature.
Is there parking outside of the locked gates?
The rest stop, where the boardwalk shares a parking lot, is open 24-7. The Florida Department of Transporation said the security staff closese the gate to the boardwalk after sunset.
Is it pet friendly?
Leashed pets are welcome on the boardwalk.
I can’t wait to check it out! A few months ago, we were just coming back from Siesta key and were running short on time to get home. Wanted to stop but trust me next time we’re on alligator alley that’s a must see
We’ve been watching them build this for 2 years. Hopefully will make the trip out there this weekend! Had no idea it was so extensive! A nice diversion for an otherwise tedious drive, but i was sad that it’s closed at night. The tower would be great for stargazing!
Hi Bonnie, just a slight correction. You state in the article the boardwalk is 30 miles west of the toll both. Actually it’s only 10 miles west of the toll both at mile market 35, the tool both is at mile market 25.
Thanks! I corrected the error. I appreciate you writing!
Can I access the boardwalk in a wheelchair?
Yes! Even the tower is accessible, with a long, gradual incline reaching it.