Over 1.5 million acres of the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida is home to a myriad of birds, reptiles, and mammals in the United States’ largest subtropical wilderness. Swampy wetlands are important habitat for Florida flora and fauna, but can be inhospitable to humans with seasonal heat, humidity, and insects.

Nonetheless, these wild lands have attracted curious explorers from all over the world who wish to see what lies between Naples and Miami. After all, this is an area where lucky visitors can spot a Florida panther, crocodile, or the legendary Skunk Ape.

And in fact, some humans have also inhabited the Everglades for thousands of years. The Calusa and Tequesta tribes lived in the area before the Spanish occupied the Florida peninsula. Later came the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians, who still reside in the Everglades to this day.

Modern day adventurers can don waders to fish or hike the swamp, or take a canoe or airboat to access more remote areas of nature. But for the average South Florida traveler, there are enough interesting stops along the Tamiami Trail within driving distance to make a day or two trip worthwhile.

Here are nine suggestions for places to visit in the Everglades.

Ochopee Post Office

Measuring 8 feet-4 inches deep and approximately 7 feet wide (61.3 square feet), the Ochopee Post Office is the smallest in the United States. The building, formerly an irrigation pipe shed belonging to a tomato farm, was commissioned after an overnight fire in 1953 burned down the Ochopee general store and post office.

The current structure has been in continuous use since and still serves approximately 300 residents – including the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians – spread across a three-county area. Daily business includes visits from tourists and stamp collectors from all over the world, who are looking for the famous Ochopee postmark.

If you go: 38000 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee; faits.usps.com

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

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At first glance, the Skunk Ape Research headquarters appears to be a kitschy roadside attraction with alligators, a 10ft python and a Florida panther statue, as well as a myriad of Skunk Ape t-shirts, from shot glasses and barbecue sauce. But it’s also the site where Dave Shealy, who has been a Skunk Ape researcher for decades, captured evidence he says proves the Florida Sasquatch is real.

Visitors can see fingerprint casts, photos, and video evidence that Shealy took during his years of searching for the Skunk Monkey. Additionally, the Trail Lakes Campground behind the head office offers cabins, chick cabins, and RV and tent sites for overnight accommodation. Onsite, Everglades Adventure Tours offers motorboat, kayak, canoe and safari tours.

If you go: 40904 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee; skunkape.info

Loop Route Scenic Drive

A haven for wildlife, bird watchers and photographers, Loop Road takes visitors on a walk on the wild side of the Everglades. This quiet dirt road makes a 24 mile detour before joining the Tamiami Trail.

Passing mainly through cypress swamps, visitors may spot falcons, wild boars, alligators, egrets, woodpeckers and migrating birds in winter. Hikers can also find the southernmost point of the Florida Trail along Loop Road.

If you go: Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve; nps.gov

Smallwood Store

Located on Chokoloskee Island, the Smallwood Store contains over 100 years of Everglades history for tourists to explore. Established in 1906, this trading post founded by Ted Smallwood served the Gladesmen and Seminole Indians by purchasing hides, furs and agricultural products in exchange for commodities.

Lots of old cans, bottles, appliances, and antiques are still inside the store, making it sort of a time capsule. Florida history comes to life through these vintage items, educational exhibits, and historic films. Some gifts are even for sale, although they come from a much more modern era. Boat trips are also launched from the store.

If you go: 360 Mamie St. in Chokoloskee; smallwoodstore.com

Everglades National Park

Preserving 1.5 million acres of South Florida wilderness, Everglades National Park is home to manatees, crocodiles, and the rare Florida panther. About 1 million human visitors seek out natural lands each year for camping, wildlife viewing, boating, boating, fishing, hiking, and more.

About 40 miles east of Miami, the Shark Valley Visitor Center offers streetcar tours, bike rentals, and a 45-foot-high viewpoint. A longer portion of the accessible national park awaits visitors entering through the Homestead entrance. Drive nearly 40 miles southwest to the Flamingo Visitor Center, admire the wild Everglades, and explore recreational opportunities along the way.

If you go: 36000 SW 8th St. in Miami; 40001 State Highway 9336 at Homestead; nps.gov

Everglades Museum

Step into Florida history and culture with a visit to the Everglades Museum, located in the small town of Everglades City. The facility, built in 1927, is a testament to the city’s once thriving economy, as it once served as a commercial laundromat.

Now visitors can experience 2,000 years of history with exhibits on Native Americans, Everglades culture and lifestyles, and even movies shot in the area.

If you go: 105 W. Broadway Ave. in Everglades City; evergladesmuseum.org

Joanie’s Blue Crab Coffee

The Everglades offers several casual places to eat with tasty bites and good service, and Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe is no exception. Find seating outside or head inside to see Florida art, decor, and postcards nailed to the rafters. Self-service cold beer and drinks are available in the refrigerator.

Joanie’s menu features Everglades specialties such as alligator nuggets, frog legs and a range of seafood.

If you go: 39395 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee; facebook.com

Miccosukee Indian Village Gift Shop

The Miccosukee Indians were part of the Creek Nation before migrating to Florida sometime before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. Many have been moved west, but around 100 tribesmen have gone into hiding in the Everglades, and the current members are over 600.

Visitors can learn about Native American culture and history by visiting the village of Miccosukee. Some programs are on hold due to COVID-19, but the tribe offers a gift shop (open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday) and light snacks for tourists.

If you go: Mile Marker 36 on US-41 in Miami; village.miccosukee.com

Grand Cypress Gallery

Famed Florida photographer Clyde Butcher has been documenting the landscapes of the Sunshine State with large format photos for decades. Tourists to the Everglades can view his work in a gallery surrounded by wilderness within the Big Cypress National Preserve.

The roadside stop also offers guided marsh walks, photo tours, and overnight accommodations in a chalet and bungalow.

If you go: 52388 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee; clydebutcher.com