Spanning a vast area of subtropical wilderness, the Everglades are one of the most unique natural ecosystems in the United States. Located in the southern part of the Florida Peninsula, the Everglades cover a region of swamps, marshes, and slow-moving waters that form a delicate and intricate landscape. When looking at a map, the Everglades appear in the lower section of Florida, mainly southwest of Miami and stretching all the way down to Florida Bay. Understanding where the Everglades are located geographically helps to appreciate their ecological importance and the efforts being made to preserve them.
Geographical Location of the Everglades
Position Within the United States
On a map of the United States, the Everglades can be found in the southeastern region of the country. More specifically, they are in the state of Florida, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. The Everglades are located in the southern third of the Florida Peninsula, roughly between the cities of Miami to the east and Naples to the west.
The northern boundary of the Everglades begins around Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida. From there, the ecosystem flows southward across a flat landscape until it reaches the saltwater estuaries of Florida Bay. This movement of water overland defines the Everglades as a river of grass.”
Key Counties and Cities
The Everglades span across multiple counties in southern Florida, including
- Miami-Dade County
- Monroe County
- Broward County
- Collier County
- Palm Beach County (southern tip)
Major nearby cities include Miami, Homestead, and Fort Lauderdale on the eastern side, and Naples and Everglades City on the western side. Everglades National Park, which protects a large portion of the ecosystem, is accessible from several of these urban areas.
Everglades National Park on the Map
Southernmost Protected Area
Everglades National Park is the most well-known and protected part of the Everglades ecosystem. On a map, it occupies a large portion of the southern tip of Florida, with its borders stretching from the Gulf of Mexico on the west to the outskirts of Miami on the east. The park was established in 1947 to preserve the unique biological diversity of the region and now spans over 1.5 million acres.
Entrances and Visitor Centers
There are three main entrances to Everglades National Park, each located in different parts of southern Florida
- Shark Valley Entrance– Located off U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), west of Miami, offering tram tours and bike trails.
- Gulf Coast Entrance– Near Everglades City, this entrance provides access to the Ten Thousand Islands area and boat tours.
- Main Entrance (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center)– Located near Homestead, this entrance leads to the heart of the park including Anhinga Trail and Flamingo Visitor Center.
By locating these entrance points on a Florida road map, visitors can easily determine the best way to access different parts of the Everglades based on their location and interests.
Major Landforms and Waterways in the Everglades
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee sits near the center of southern Florida and serves as the primary water source for the Everglades. Although the lake is not technically part of the Everglades, its outflow feeds the vast wetlands below it. The historical flow from the lake once formed a continuous sheet of water southward, but this has been altered significantly by human intervention.
Sloughs and Wetlands
On the map, the Everglades are dominated by flat, low-lying wetlands. Key features include sloughs slow-moving channels that carry water through the marshes and sawgrass prairies that form the dominant vegetation in much of the ecosystem. The Shark River Slough and Taylor Slough are the two primary sloughs that transport water toward Florida Bay.
Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands
At the southern edge of the Everglades, freshwater mixes with saltwater in the mangrove-lined estuaries of Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands. These areas are visible on coastal maps as intricate networks of small islands, channels, and tidal creeks. This transition zone is vital for many species of fish, birds, and marine life.
Ecological Importance of the Everglades’ Location
Subtropical Climate Zone
The Everglades lie in a subtropical climate zone, which is crucial for their biodiversity. The warm temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and shallow water all combine to support a wide range of plant and animal life, including alligators, manatees, and endangered species like the Florida panther and the American crocodile.
Connection to the Greater Watershed
Mapping the Everglades also involves understanding their connection to a much larger watershed. The system begins in central Florida and includes rivers, canals, lakes, and manmade reservoirs. The Kissimmee River, which flows into Lake Okeechobee, and the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, which help manage water flow, are all part of the broader Everglades ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts Based on Location
Mapping for Restoration
Scientists and conservationists use satellite imagery and detailed topographical maps to monitor changes in the Everglades. These maps help track water levels, vegetation cover, and the impacts of urban development. Understanding where the Everglades lie geographically has been essential for designing restoration projects that aim to restore natural water flow and improve water quality.
Urban Pressure and Boundaries
Because the Everglades are so close to heavily populated areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, urban sprawl has historically encroached upon the wetlands. Maps show how city limits have expanded and how canal systems were built to drain parts of the Everglades for agriculture and development. These challenges highlight the importance of maintaining boundaries and enforcing environmental protections.
How to Locate the Everglades Yourself
Using a Digital or Physical Map
To locate the Everglades on a digital map, open a tool like Google Maps and search for “Everglades National Park” or simply “Everglades, Florida.” The region will appear in southern Florida, with visual details such as green forested zones, blue water channels, and labeled park boundaries. On a physical map, look just south of Lake Okeechobee and find the green-shaded areas stretching toward Florida Bay.
Geographic Coordinates
If you prefer using coordinates, the central area of the Everglades lies approximately at
- Latitude 25.5° N
- Longitude 81.0° W
These coordinates can help you pinpoint the region on a GPS-enabled device or a coordinate-based map system.
The Everglades, located in the southern portion of Florida, are an expansive and vital wetland ecosystem that can be easily identified on a map just south of Lake Okeechobee and stretching toward Florida Bay. Their position makes them both ecologically important and geographically accessible. By understanding where the Everglades are on a map, we gain deeper insight into the region’s environmental value and the challenges it faces. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply seeking to learn more, locating the Everglades is a crucial first step in appreciating one of America’s most iconic natural treasures.