Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

Orlando Wetlands Park

One thing we have learned about Florida in our years of exploring, it’s not just about the quiet little towns or the once-famous attractions, it’s also about the amazing wildlife that calls Florida home.  While folks living in less-populated areas have a greater chance of seeing a few deer in their backyard or a bobcat roaming in the pasture, those of us living in the city also have opportunities to view these creatures in the wild – at nature preserves, parks, or wildlife drives.

The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland wastewater treatment system located in Christmas.  The 1,650 acres the park sits on were purchased in 1987 by the City of Orlando with a primary purpose of providing advanced treatment of the nearly 14 million gallons of reclaimed water it receives daily, for safe discharge into the St. Johns River.  The water is monitored daily and monthly through a variety of measures – automatic and manual collections – so that adjustments can be made to provide optimal water treatment.  Read more about the history behind the park here.

Although the park has been open to the public in a limited capacity since the 1990s, it was opened year-round in 2015 and provides opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.

Getting Around the Park

With 18 miles of berm roads, there is plenty to see.  Visitors can opt to hike, walk, bike or take the guided tram tour.

Tram Tours

Tram tours offer visitors a 45- to 60-minute ride, accompanied by volunteers from the Friends of the Wetlands. While one volunteer drives the tram, the other acts as tour guide and points out different areas of interest.  On our trip, the tram stopped below a red-shouldered hawk perched atop a dead tree.  Other birds we saw along the way included herons, glossy ibises, ospreys, and a roseate spoonbill. We were also able to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle’s nest, but it took a little bit of effort since it was off in the distance beyond a tree line.

No visit to a park with water is complete without seeing alligators.  They could be seen from both sides of the tram, some along the shoreline, others gliding through the water.  In 2015, the latest year data is available, there were an estimated 1,700 gators in the park.  Whether you step off the tram or are walking along the berms, it’s always a good idea to mind the signs!

Walking and Biking

Walking or biking the berm roads offers the same views as the tram tour.  While you don’t get to hear the history of the park, or learn about the birds or alligators, you do get to see more of the park, or linger a little longer for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.  However, you could also be missing out on the old alligator nest.  Our advice – do both!  Take the tram tour, then walk back to some of the areas highlighted on the tour or take a different road and see what new adventure awaits.

What You May See

The park is home to more than 30 species of wildlife listed on the state’s threatened and endangered wildlife list.  The wildlife may include otters, foxes, deer, turtles, snakes and alligators.  There are also about 200 species of birds within the park.  Stop by the Education Center for handy guides on birds, wildlife and plant life.  If you forget to stop and pick them up, the guides are also available online.

Location and Hours

Orlando Wetlands Park is located at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas, just a short drive from Fort Christmas Historical Park in east Orange County. Get there by taking County Road 420 off State Road 50 in Christmas.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, 365 days a year.  There is parking onsite and it is free to get in, although donations are accepted. The park also holds the Wetlands Festival in February of each year.  Make plans to attend.

What to Take

  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Binoculars

Pets are NOT allowed.

Related Articles

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Sweetwater Wetlands Park

For more photos of our trip to Orlando Wetlands Park, please view our slideshow below.

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Fort Christmas Historical Park

The last time I visited Fort Christmas in Orange County was when my children were in elementary school and that was – well, let’s just say that was a long time ago.  As with all historical places, I have found I appreciate them more the older I get.

Fort Christmas Historical Park is located on Highway 50 between Orlando and Titusville.  It sits about two miles off 50 on County Road 420, or as the locals call it, Fort Christmas Road.  The park takes up 25 acres on the west side of the road and 119 on the east.  There is a lot to see and do at the park, so plan on staying awhile.

Replica of Fort Christmas 

Perhaps the centerpiece of the park is the full-size replica of Fort Christmas. The original fort was just a short distance away and was one of several posts built to store supplies for troops on their way south for fighting in the Second Seminole War.  The original fort was established December 25, 1837 and was abandoned less than four months later. The name lived on, however, as it became the name of the town of Christmas.

Entrance to replica of Fort Christmas

Just inside the entrance is the first of two blockhouses which served as lookouts, the general’s headquarters, and protection of the troops.  The second of the blockhouses sits on the opposite corner of the fort.

Building to the right of the entrance is one of two blockhouses.

These two structures now serve as museums and house artifacts of the time – from photos of prominent families to weaponry to  saddles, cowboy hats and other ranching necessities.

Also inside the stockade is a storehouse for holding the army rations and supplies as well as food staples. A powder magazine below ground level (for safety purposes) provides visitors with a look at how ammunition was stored.

Living History Settlement

A few steps away from the fort is the entrance to the village.  Imagine life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. No air conditioning, no inside plumbing.  One-room houses were the norm, although some were added onto over time for growing families.

The Yates House

Walking into any of these structures reminds you of how simple yet how tough life was at the turn of the century.  Netting around the beds.  Handmade quilts.  Living spaces with fireplaces.

Interior of one of the homes. Notice the netting over the beds and the cracks between the wood.

Living rooms served as family spaces.

Some of these houses also serve as exhibits.  The Simmons III Home also serves as the exhibit for the Fort Christmas Post Office…

While the Ranching Exhibit is housed inside the Beehead Ranch House.

Notice all of the brands on the hide on the floor

Other Historical Structures

As a former teacher, it’s always interesting to see how schools were once operated.  Stepping inside the Union School provided a look into a 1907 classroom. Named for the way it “united” several of the small schools in the area operated by families into one location, Union School was once just a one-room schoolhouse.

The Union School

An addition of a small room in the back of the school was made in the 1920s.  The desks are set in neat rows with reading books of various grade levels set on top of them.

Original room of the school

1920s addition

A lunchroom added in 1932 now serves as a kitchen exhibit for those visiting the park.

Other structures include the Partin Home – built in 1953 complete with indoor plumbing and electricity.  It is a far cry from their first home built 40 years before.  Their ‘50s barn is also adjacent to the house.

Partin Home

Recreational Amenities

The park provides visitors with other opportunities for fun and family time.  Take along your basketball or tennis rackets and have some friendly competition on the courts.  There’s also a playground, a 1920’s softball field and rentable pavilions where you can enjoy your lunches.

Whatever you do during your visit to the park, it’s sure to be both educational and fun.  The park is open during the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in the winter from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Hours for the museum and homes are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.