8 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Collier County

Big Cypress National Preserve is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 720,000 acres, it is the largest national preserve in the United States East of the Rockies. Within its vast expanse, visitors can experience varied habitats like swamps, estuaries, pinelands and prairies teeming with an abundance of wildlife. This treasureland of natural beauty also boasts spectacular views such as watery grasslands and cypress strands that will mesmerize any visitor.

Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center is the perfect spot to explore the beauty and wildlife of the Big Cypress National Preserve. This cozy visitor center has knowledgeable staff to give you information and recommendations on scenic hikes, bike rides, and guided tours of the area. You can even schedule a canoe trip down the Turner River with one of their experienced guides or take part in ranger-led programs.

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, is a unique and beautiful park. Home to the last remaining stands of Cabbage Palm and Royal Palm forests, the preserve is also home to many rare species of birds, manatees, you can even spot an endangered Florida panther if you’re lucky! Exploring its 2000-acre network of marshlands and flatwood swamps is a great way to take in the stunning sights of nature in the Sunshine State. Boating and kayaking are permitted on several bodies of water within the park.

The Gordon River Greenway Park in Collier County, Florida is a 185-acre park located in Naples, just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. While visiting, one can find walking paths, bike trails and wildlife observation points around every corner. The natural beauty of the park is astounding and pairs perfectly with its educational offerings. Inside the park are a number of areas dedicated to local history displays, presentations about various natural habitats and a butterfly garden .

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center provides visitors and locals with a wealth of information about the area. From boat tours and mangrove eco-adventures, to archaeological sites and hands-on programs for children, this visitor center has something for everyone. The center also provides local shoppers with expert advice on which shopping area is best suited to their needs. With regular activities like kayaking, seining, fishing trips, bird walks and much more.

This Park is Located along the shores of the beautiful and pristine big Cypress National Preserve, this delightful park offers visitors a tremendous variety of recreational opportunities. People can go for hikes and nature walks through lush hardwood forests, fish or canoe on peaceful Florida lakes, bird watch and appreciate the local wildlife, or take some time to relax by a campfire. Visitors can even find lodging options including camping sites with nearby shower and restroom facilities.

This Forest is a unique ecosystem combining wetland and pine flatwoods with cypress strands and dome swamps. Spanning over 115,000 acres of subtropical wilderness, the forest provides miles of trails for hiking and cycling, camping spots for enthusiastic adventurers, ample opportunities for swimming in rivers, lakes, and beaches as well as world class fishing. For nature watchers, Picayune Strand won't disappoint; there are plenty of species to explore from alligators to panthers.

Ted Smallwood Store is not only an interesting historical landmark but also a popular tourist attraction. Located near the Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands, Ted Smallwood Store was originally constructed in 1906 as a trading post and served as the primary general store for miles around. It is now recognized as one of the oldest standing structures in Collier County as well as being listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.