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Pond with sky reflections, alligators, herons, egrets, and a boardwalk

Gatorland

Gatorland is not just a historic Florida attraction but an immersion into what this part of Central Florida used to be, a cypress swamp full of critters.

Orlando      ( 28.355165,-81.40424 )      

Set in a natural cypress swamp in a spot where most of the natural habitats are now erased from the landscape by development, Gatorland is a historic Florida attraction.

It is also an immersion into what this part of Central Florida used to be. Walk the boardwalks, marvel at the ancient reptiles, savor the birds, and go “oooh” at snakes.


Resources

Central Florida Orlando Explorers Guide book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


Overview

Location: Orlando
Trailhead: 28.355165,-81.40424
Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando, Florida 32837
Phone: 407-855-5496

Fees: $30 adult, $20 ages 3-12. Annual passes and Florida resident discounts make this a great place to visit more than once a year.

Additional fees apply for special experiences like Gator Night Shine and the Screamin Gator Zip Line.

Open 10-5 daily.

Location

 
Along US 441 near Hunter’s Creek, south of Orlando and north of St. Cloud.

Details

Founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin, it’s still a family park and the undisputed Alligator Capital of the World.

It’s not an enormous park, but it’s so packed with wildlife that if you’re an avid photographer, you’ll easily spend most of the day there.

It’s a birder’s delight, too. We arrived at the peak of breeding season, with the birds in bright and showy plumage, and spotted some species that we rarely see, like roseate spoonbills winging their way overhead.

For the best view of the birds, follow the boardwalks along the main ‘gator pond and climb the three-story observation tower for a panorama of the ten acre breeding marsh and bird rookery.

Gatorland
Boardwalk through the bird rookery at Gatorland

Dad loved the train, of course. Debuting in 1965 as the Iron Horse, the little Gatorland Express circles the park, giving a different perspective on the animal enclosures.

You’ll also find a splash playground for the kids, and lots of optional “Experiences.”

You can shadow a trainer or wrestle an alligator for an additional fee. One of the wildest add-ons is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line over the alligator pens. See the story below for details.

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More Activities at Gatorland

Sally White zip line Gatorland

Zipping Over Gators at Gatorland

What’s it like to sail over a pondful of alligators on a zip line in Florida? Contributor Sally White of the Adventures of Mom shares her experience on Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line in Orlando.

Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure

Gatorland Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure

At the grand opening of Gatorland’s new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, we learned the story of Gator Joe and reconnected with the nature we so love at this long-time Florida nature park.

Park Map Official Website

Category: Central Florida, Ecotours, Natural AttractionsTag: Alligators, Best Birding, Birding, Family-Friendly, Favorites, Featured Articles, Historic Sites, Kissimmee, Orlando, Walt Disney World, Wildlife Viewing

Have an update? Contact us.

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Edge of island along blue waters of lake

Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area

Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area
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Felburn Park

Felburn Park
Expanse of water with boat headed into distance

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Withlacoochee Bay Trail
View of expansive water beyond coastal trees

Fort Island Beach

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