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Orlando Wetlands Park Review With Photos & Video

What is the Orlando Wetlands Park?

I've lived in Orlando since 1996, and I really have come to appreciate all the city has to offer. From our "real" downtown, to our theme parks, resorts, water parks and splash pads, we have a lot of things to do in this city.

Sometimes you need a bit of a break from the ordinary, and in the case of Orlando, the ordinary usually means a busy tourist attraction.

Orlando Wetlands Park is a Man-Made Reclaimed Water System

While the park may look very natural, it's actually a man-made wetlands park. Water in the park enters as it comes out of the waste water treatment plants in Orlando. The photo you see is actually one of the inflows of water on the far west side of the park.

Water enters on one side of the park and, over the course of 40 days, makes a west-to-east journey across the park, filtering as it goes. On the far east side, the naturally filtered water re-enters the natural habitat.

You can read the full history of the park and the role it plays in the waste water treatment process, here.

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Where is the Orlando Wetlands Park located?

The Orlando Wetlands Park, located approximately 40 minutes east of downtown Orlando, is one of my favorite places to go that isn't run by a certain mouse or one of their competitors. Below is the vital information for the location of the park, or you can use the map here to navigate as well.

Address:
25155 Wheeler Rd
Christmas, FL 32709
Phone: (407) 568-1706

Hours of Operation: sunrise to sunset

Orlando Wetlands Park - a welcome change from the theme parks and city hustle.

Orlando Wetlands Park is definitely different than most of what you'd experience in the Orlando area. It's a park, but the list of characteristics it shares with the other (theme) parks in the area is very short. Here's a quick compare and contrast:

  • No long lines at Orlando Wetlands Park
  • Lots of photo opportunities
  • Lots of trails to walk and bike
  • No vendors to sell you stuff
  • No thrill rides (except the tram)
  • No guard rails to keep the animals at bay
  • There's no admission charge to get in (but donations are accepted)
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Park Visitor Center Sign
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Park Visitor Center Sign
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Wading Bird Marsh
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Wading Bird Marsh
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Alligator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Alligator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Time
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Time
Orlando Birthday Party Ideas for Kids and Adults
Orlando Birthday Party Ideas for Kids and Adults

That list is really just the start of some of the aspects of this park that set it apart from others in the area. If you're looking to get out and see nature, but you don't necessarily have time to drive to the Everglades in south Florida, then the Orlando Wetlands Park is a great place to go.

One of my personal favorite things to do when I first arrive is to sign and review the guest list. There's a small podium when you first arrive with a guest book. You don't have to sign in, but many people do. I always love seeing people from other states, and many times other countries enjoying the park.

Orlando Wetlands Park can help re-connect your family with each other and with nature. It's also a great option for a birthday party and something different than the usual pizza place.

Orlando Wetlands Park FAQ

Is Orlando Wetlands Park a good mountain biking spot? Collapse

Meh. It's okay, but not the greatest. If you're a skilled mountain biker, you'd be bored with this park. If you're just starting out, it's a great place to ride bikes. The downside is that you can only ride your bike on the gravel paths. Bikes are not allowed on the hiking trails. Those are for foot traffic only.

Is fishing allowed at Orlando Wetlands Park? Expand

Although not listed on their website, fishing is not permitted in the park.

Is hunting allowed at Orlando Wetlands Park? Expand

Nope. No hunting is allowed in the park either.

Is Orlando Wetlands Park safe? Expand

Generally, yes. But it's different than other parks. It's a wild life area. There aren't many fences or barriers to keep people (children) and animals (gators) separate. So if you go with children, be sure to keep close tabs on them.

Are children allowed at Orlando Wetlands Park? Expand

Yes, definitely. I bring my young sons with me all the time. Just keep an eye on them at all times; don't let them wander off.

Does Orlando Wetlands Park have a drinking fountain? Expand

Yes, the park has a drinking water fountain. The fountain also has a water bottle refill station. Take note: the drinking water is well water, so it may taste odd to some palates.

Does Orlando Wetlands Park have a tram? Expand

Yes, the park offers a tram (essentially a large golf cart). The tram is first-come, first-served and is only available on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am - 3pm. The tram is driven by someone from the park. Visitors are not able to take the tram on their own.

How big is Orlando Wetlands Park? Expand

Orlando Wetlands Park is 1650 acres with 1200 of that consisting of man-made wetlands for water treatment.

What facilities and amenities are available at the park? Collapse

The park has restrooms, a covered picnic area with lots of tables and an exhibit area that shows some of the types of wildlife you may encounter at the park. There's a good amount of parking that's not paved, with more parking located just across from the main entrance as well.

Is Orlando Wetlands Park man-made or nature-made? Expand

The park is man-made, and serves as a natural filtration system for water that's been treated at the local waste water treatment facilities. And nope, it doesn't stink!

Is Orlando Wetlands Park a good place for bird-watching? Expand

I'm personally not much of a bird watcher. I do enjoy photography and I think the landscape photography opportunities are awesome. There are a lot of wide-open spaces, with lots of wild life around. You are likely to see a good variety of species, including eagles. But with wide open spaces come long distances, so if you're not equipped with a telephoto lens or strong binoculars, it may be difficult to see everything.

How many alligators are there in Orlando Wetlands Park? Expand

A 2015 estimate has over 1700 alligators living in the park.

Does Orlando Wetlands Park have public restrooms? Expand

Yes, the park is fully equipped with restrooms. I've always found the restrooms to be very cleanly and well-stocked. The restrooms are only located at the entrance, though, so plan accordingly.

Is it true that Orlando Wetlands Park is fed by treated waste water? Expand

Yes, on the far west side of the park, water flows in from the sewage treatment plants in nearby Orlando. The treated water enters into the park and works its way to the east through a series of lakes and pipes, naturally filtering as it flows through the park.

Dadtography's Orlando Wetlands Park Photo Gallery

Click any photo below to view a larger version.

Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Mountain Bikes on Top of Oyler Overlook
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Mountain Bikes on Top of Oyler Overlook
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Limpkin Lane from Oyler Overlook
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Limpkin Lane from Oyler Overlook
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Gator in the Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Gator in the Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Mountain Bikes
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Mountain Bikes
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Caution Gators
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Caution Gators
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Vultures in the Trees
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Vultures in the Trees
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Scary Fish on Perimeter Trail
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Scary Fish on Perimeter Trail
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Walking at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Walking at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Lake Searcy
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Lake Searcy
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Into the Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Into the Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Bobcat Trail
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Bobcat Trail
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Into the Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Into the Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Swimming Gator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Swimming Gator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Submerged Gator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Submerged Gator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Stand of Trees and Blue Sky
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Stand of Trees and Blue Sky
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Gator Near Our Path
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Gator Near Our Path
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - The Park at Sunset
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Water Flowing into the Park
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Water Flowing into the Park
Orlando Wetlands Park Review_2-2
Orlando Wetlands Park Review_2-2
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Time
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Family Time
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Alligator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Large Alligator
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Wading Bird Marsh
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Wading Bird Marsh
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Park Visitor Center Sign
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Park Visitor Center Sign
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review - Cypress Swamp
Orlando Wetlands Park Review_4
Orlando Wetlands Park Review_4

Here's Some More Cool Orlando Stuff

Whether you're a visitor to the area or local, Orlando, Florida has a lot to offer. We search Orlando high and low for the best places to see. Here are a few other posts about Orlando we thought you'd like.

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Orlando's Free Splash Pads

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Birthday Parties in Orlando

Are you looking for some ideas for a birthday party in Orlando? Check out our huge list from kids to adults and everything in between.

Orlando Birthday Parties
Nickelodeon Hotel Orlando - Mini Golf

Best Themed Hotels

With all of our major parks, Orlando has some really great themed hotel options. Here's a list of our favorite kid-friendly themed hotels.

Themed Hotels
What do you think? Have you been to Orlando Wetlands Park? Leave your thoughts below on your experience!

Orlando Wetlands Park

Free
Orlando Wetlands Park
9.4

Amenities

9.0/10

Trails

9.0/10

Wildlife

10.0/10

Photo Ops

9.5/10

Pros

  • Authentic, natural Florida
  • Lots of easy trails
  • Almost guaranteed to see a gator
  • Awesome sunrises and sunsets
  • Facilities including drinking fountains and restrooms

Cons

  • Lakes are large - can make birding distant
  • Real nature, real risk
  • Only one tram
  • Not much elevation change (for bikes)
Official Website

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About the Editor

Daniel is a father of two boys, husband to JenB and works in digital marketing for the 2nd largest hospital system in Florida. He's founder of Dadtography.com, a travel & video blogger and avid digital photographer. Be a Dadtographer...

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