Fisheating Creek is known for its massive alligators, but the ones at Gatorama will astound you with their size. Opened in 1957 as a roadside attraction, Gatorama still has a funky Old Florida feel and some true giants of the swamp.
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Overview
Location: Palmdale
Entrance: 26.917172,-81.290718
Address: 10665 U.S. 27 N, Palmdale
Fees: $12.50 kids under 5 feet, $20-25 adults
Restroom: At the gift shop
Phone: 863-675-0623
Open Thu-Mon 10-5. Extra fee for hands-on experiences.
Directions
From Moore Haven, take US 27 north 15 miles to the entrance on the right.
About the Park
Since 1968, Gatorama has showcased an endangered Florida reptile that you won’t see much of anywhere else, the American crocodile.
Endemic to South Florida, these massive saltwater creatures breed from December through January; the colony here now numbers more than 50.
When you see owner Allen Register or one of his staff dangling food into the pond for the alligators to munch, you’ll understand what a half century of growth means in gator terms: these creatures are huge!
One large pond is divided in two by the walkway and fencing to keep the more aggressive alligators away from the American crocodile colony.
Although the exhibits are old-style tiled pools, they showcase interesting creatures such as the mugger crocodile of India and the Nile crocodile.
In 1987, the Register family began farming alligators for meat, and the demand still outstrips their supply. Covered walkways lead you past the exhibits, but you’ll spend most of your time marveling at the size of the reptiles cruising the big pond.
Explore More!
Nearby Adventures
Fisheating Creek WMA In the wilds of South Central Florida, Fisheating Creek has always been a favorite for paddlers. Four trails also provide access for hikers to enjoy these lush surroundings on foot.
Knobby Knee Trail Accessible walkways wind across a floodplain of stately cypress trees to an overlook along scenic Fisheating Creek, with footpaths leading even further along the waterway.
Florida Trail, Moore Haven to Lakeport Leaving the Caloosahatchee River to dip through the Fisheating Creek floodplain, this hike on the western side of Lake Okeechobee is all about the marshes.
Archbold Biological Station A pair of short loops provide close observations of rare scrub habitats at a historic research facility on the Lake Wales Ridge south of Lake Placid. 
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