In a surprisingly urban setting, this restored wetland area pays homage to a leader of the Seminole tribe, Chitto Tustenuggee, otherwise known as the Snake Warrior.
This 53 acre property includes an oak hammock and waterways and wetlands that reflect the Everglades long lost to drainage in this region more than a century ago.
As you walk the pathways, pause for the detailed interpretative information that tells the history of this important Seminole site.
Looking across the wetlandsResources
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: Miramar
Length: 0.5 mile loop
Trailhead: 25.977289, -80.210608
Address: 3600 SW 62nd Ave, Miramar
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: Broward County
Phone: 954-357-8776
Open 8 AM to 6 PM. No pets permitted. Pathways are accessible.
There is exercise equipment and picnic tables along the walkways. Fishing is permitted.
Directions
From Interstate 95 Hallandale Beach Rd exit, head west 2.7 miles to SW 62nd Ave. Turn left at the light and drive south 0.5 mile to the park entrance on the left.
Hike
Possibly founded in the 1820s, this site near the former headwaters of Snake Creek may have been the oldest known Seminole village in Florida.
It was abandoned in 1841 during the Second Seminole War, when the U.S. Army pushed deep into the Everglades with intent of removing the Seminoles to a reservation in Oklahoma.
A paved trail loops around the recreated wetlands, where the waters are busy with moorhens, wood ducks, and herons.
The paved loop around the wetlandsThe interpretive markers provide an incredible amount of detail about the former Seminole settlement.
Residences sat on two islands of high ground in the marsh, noted as Big Island and Little Island on the preserve map.
As you walk, the squawks and chitters of birds accompany you, the waterfowl glad to have cover in this otherwise urban space.
Adjoining the parking lot is a shady canopied glade of live oaks and ficus trees. Several benches provide places to rest along the circuit.
Trail Map
Map from an interpretive signExplore More!
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Pine Island Ridge Natural Area
At the highest natural elevation in Broward County, this pine-topped ridge speaks to the history of those who lived here in the past, in a village that Mikasuki medicine chief Abiaka called home
Tree Tops Park
Climb into the forest canopy to browse among the bromeliads amid the ancient live oaks at Tree Tops Park
West Lake Park
Explore both the wild and mild sides of an urban mangrove jungle at West Lake Park by hiking, biking, or paddling this outstanding Florida Water
Arch Creek Park
The tropical hammock at Arch Creek Park was the site of a Tequesta Indian village between 500 B.C. and 1300 A.D. Gentle natural footpaths wind through the dark forest