Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Boardwalk Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.

Interpretive Center hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Closed Mondays and major holidays)

What is a Slough? (pronounced "slew")

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of intermingled wetland and upland ecosystems. The appearance of the Slough changes with the seasons from dry (October-May) to wet (June-September). During the rainy time of year, the cypress slough catches and slowly filters rainwater on its way towards Estero Bay. Animals adapted to life in wetlands, like alligators, turtles, otters, and wading birds, live at the Slough year-round. Additionally, many types of migratory birds use the Slough as a rest stop and feeding area.

 Things to Do

• Explore the boardwalk and quietly observe wildlife
• Visit the Interpretive Center and Rock & Stroll Garden
• Take a guided walk with a Volunteer Interpretive Naturalist
• Attend a nature program
• Picnic (in designated areas only)

Know Before You Go:

• View our Visitation Tips

Parking

Parking fee: $1 per hour per vehicle, maximum $5 for the day.

• Please bring exact change.
• Parking machine accepts cash (bills), Visa, and MasterCard.
• Lee County Annual Parking Stickers are accepted at this location.
• Admittance to the boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center is included in the parking fee.
• Please park in designated spaces only.

*Riding your bicycle to the preserve does not require a parking fee. Two bike racks are available to lock up your bike once you arrive. Riding or walking bikes along the boardwalk is not allowed. A bicycle-friendly multi-use path is located along Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

Facilities

• Elevated, fully-accessible boardwalk; restrooms; amphitheater; and 5 observation decks
• Picnic areas (first come, first served)
• Rock and Stroll Garden, a native butterfly garden in the center of the parking lot
• Interpretive Center
• Facility Map

Park Rules

The following are not allowed at the preserve:

• Pets
• Fishing
• Feeding or releasing wildlife
• Collection of natural or cultural resources, including but not limited to any plants, animals, shells or artifacts.
• Alcohol

The following are not allowed on the boardwalk:

• Food or drink (other than water)
• Smoking
• Jogging or powerwalking
• Biking, roller skating or skateboarding
• Radios or other loud noise
• Items prohibited in the entire preserve, as stated above

*Please respect the space and quiet observation needs of individual visitors by limiting cell phone use on the boardwalk to EMERGENCIES ONLY.

*Double-wide strollers are not recommended for use on the boardwalk.

Public Guided Walks

No Guided Walk on Christmas Day

Registration: Opens 30 minutes prior to the guided walk at the boardwalk entrance. Registration is NOT taken by phone or in the Interpretive Center.

Limit: First 20 people who arrive, with a maximum of 10 people per guide.

Distance: Approximately 1 mile

Duration: 45 minutes

Cost: Guided walks are FREE with paid parking.

Schedule

May-October: Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Arrival 15 minutes prior to guided walk is encouraged.

November - April: Daily at 9:30 a.m. Arrival 30 minutes prior to guided walk is encouraged.

Field Trips & Group Tours

• Group tours and other programs are available by reservation only.
• Groups arriving by tour bus require $5 daily parking fee and must arrange their visit in advance with the supervisor of the preserve.
• View group tour and private program information in our Educational Programs Brochure. Most of these programs are intended for school classes or family groups.