Everglades Area WELCOME Center

In September 2017, the Everglades City area was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, destroying many homes and devastating businesses. One of these was the iconic building at the corner of US 41 and SR 29, just as you turn to go towards Everglades City and Chokoloskee. The building was originally constructed in the 1950s and operated as the Welcome Center by the Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce. It was the busiest welcome/visitor center in Collier County. After the hurricane, we were left without a central place to welcome the thousands, if not millions, of tourists who come to our city and the surrounding national and state parks/preserves.  

On February 1, 2020, the Everglades Society for Historic Preservation (ESHP) took on the task of reopening a place where visitors could come and learn about the opportunities to explore the area. With the building in Carnestown being condemned by Big Cypress, who owned the property, ESHP opened in a new location in the center of town at 207 West Broadway across from the Rod and Gun Club. When the historic 1927 Bank of Everglades Building is completed, ESHP will move its offices, gift shop, and welcome center there. 

Tourists tell us they are sometimes confused on where to go and learn about the area since there are several “visitor centers” located in close proximity.  

The new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center (formerly called the Gulf Coast Visitor Center built in 1953 and located within Everglades City limits half a mile south of the Circle) will serve as the primary entrance into the Everglades National Park on the west coast (look for more information closer to their grand opening later this Fall). 

Big Cypress National Preserve has two visitor centers: 1) The Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (formerly called the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center and located just 2.5 miles east of Carnestown), and 2) the Oasis Visitor Center, 21.5 miles east of Carnestown. These two visitor centers have interesting exhibits and lots of information about those exploring the wonders of the Big Cypress. 

One of the businesses in town, Everglades Adventures (currently the temporary location for ENP rangers from Friday through Monday), has consolidated all of its businesses in one building (Everglades Adventures Visitor Center) at 611 Collier Avenue. 

So, as of July 1, ESHP will be operating the Everglades Area Welcome Center to eliminate confusion. This was the original name of the building in Carnestown for over 60 years and so it will be again. Our local volunteers welcome thousands of visitors a year and provide information for all of our businesses, including lodging, restaurants, attractions, and tour operators. Stop by 207 West Broadway and check out all the brochures, maps, local gifts, and friendly service. We look forward to seeing you!