Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Review

Don't just grab your park map and go; this visitor center's numerous interactive exhibits and films are well worth your time. The 15-minute film River of Life, updated frequently, provides a succinct park overview with emphasis on the river of grass. There is also a movie on hurricanes and a 35-minute wildlife film for children available upon request. A bank of telephones offers differing viewpoints on the Great Water Debate, detailing how last century's gung ho draining of swampland for residential and agricultural development also cut off water-supply routes for precious wetlands in the Everglades ecosystem. Here you'll also find a schedule of daily ranger-led activities, mainly walks and talks, and information on canoe rentals and boat tours at Flamingo. The Everglades Discovery Shop stocks books and jewelry including bird-oriented earrings, and you can browse through cool nature, science, and kids' stuff or pick up extra insect repellent. Coe Visitor Center, which has restrooms, is outside park gates, so you can stop in without paying park admission.