NPS Photo Royal Palm and surrounding areas offer many exciting ranger guided tours! These programs can vary greatly by season, and are subject to rescheduling or cancellation in the case of inclement weather. Program DescriptionsBelow are the summaries of all ranger-led programs available in Royal Palm and other areas nearby. ** Available programs for Royal Palm will be updated on a monthly basis.** **Programs not offered regularly/daily, please check program calendar**ProgramsAnhinga Amble- 10:00 AMInterested in seeing wildlife? Take a stroll with a ranger and explore the renowned Anhinga Trail where alligators, wading birds and other wildlife are easily spotted! Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates. Wheelchair accessible. 0.7 miles, 1 hour. Bike Hike (Long Pine Key)Reservations Required. Explore the natural wonders of the Everglades by bicycle! Bikes and helmets provided. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates. Stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or call (305) 242-7700 (age 12 and up).Glades Glimpse- 1:30 PMThe Everglades is a place like no other! Sit in the shade as a ranger reveals the amazing wonders of the Everglades. Topics vary daily. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific datesAccessible. 20 minutes. Nike Missile Site Tour- 2:00 PMStep into the Cold War for a tour of the historic Nike Missile Site, HM69. See an actual missile and many of the original support buildings. Guided tours begin at the Daniel Beard Center and are conducted on weekends throughout May. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates. Wheelchair accessible. 1 hour 30 minutes. Wet Walk- Royal PalmReservations required. Wade through the River of Grass into the shadows of a 'gator hole' or a cypress dome. Wear close toed, lace up shoes and long pants that can get wet or muddy. Stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center or call 305-242-7700 for reservations (ages 12 and up), 1 to 2 miles. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates. 2 hrs. Strenuous. Nike Missile Open House- 10:00 AM- 2:00 PMEverglades National Park houses one of the best preserved relics of the Cold War in Florida, a historic Nike Hercules missile site called "Alpha Battery" or "HM69". Step into the Cold War for a volunteer-run open house of the historic Nike Missile Site, HM69. See an actual missile and many of the original support buildings. Open House is 4 hours, where the site is available for you to explore. Accessible. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates. Wheelchair accessible. Night Hike- 6:30 PMHalf the park is after dark! Take a walk with a park ranger on the Anhinga Trail under the stars to see what wildlife is most active at night. Offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Meet at the Royal Palm benches. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates.Wheelchair accessible. 0.7 miles, 50 minutes.Evening Program (Long Pine Key Amphitheater)- 6:30 PMJoin a park ranger for this illustrated program focusing on the unique natural or cultural wonders of the Everglades. Check bulletin boards and visitor centers for program topics. Offered Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Check program calendar or with information desk at 305-242-7700 for specific dates.Meet at Long Pine Key Campground Amphitheater. Accessible.
Directions to Royal Palm
Everglades Institute Tours
Everglades Institute is a non-profit partner providing in-depth educational and adventurous tours. 
Calendar
Use the calendar below to find information about the park's ranger-led programs, events and more! 
Guided Tours
Rangers are not the only naturalists that lead groups in the park. Check out the tour options offered by park partners and concessions. |
Last updated: December 22, 2025