Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, located in the state of Florida, is a beautiful and unique destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Summary
This refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife and landscapes, making it an exciting place to explore.
Some of the best reasons to visit Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge include the opportunity to see endangered species such as the Everglades snail kite and the wood stork, as well as a variety of other birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating in the refuge's many scenic areas.
One of the main points of interest in Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is the 5.5-mile Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, which offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in one of the largest remaining cypress swamps in the world. Other areas of interest include the Marsh Trail, the Lee Road Observation Tower, and the Loxahatchee River.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the Loxahatchee River is one of the only two rivers in Florida that is designated as a wild and scenic river, and that the refuge was established in 1951 as a haven for migratory birds.
The best time of year to visit Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the water levels in the refuge are lower, making it easier to spot wildlife. Overall, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible destination that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Florida's unique ecosystem.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
South County Regional Park
Park 31 and 35
Park No 3
Castle Wood Park
Terramar Park
Cypress Creek Canal / Winfield Park
Hillsboro Canal (G-08)
Cypress Creek Canal
Cypress Creek Canal / West River Drive