Orlando Wetlands

Visitor on a berm

The Orlando Wetlands is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities. The facility is 1650 acres in size and located in Christmas, Florida. You can visit the Wetlands to enjoy primitive and passive activities, including:

  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Hiking
  • Biking (non-motorized)
  • Horseback riding
  • Guided Tours

Free Tram Tours

Our volunteer program runs tram cart tours for groups of less than 10 people on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sundays run from September – April only.

These tours are first-come, first-served only. We do not accept reservations for tours on weekends (Fridays – Sundays).

Tram cart tours pick-up and drop-off at the Education Center, directly west of the main parking lot. Weekend tram cart tours are free, donations welcomed.

Parking

Parking is located at the entrance to the facility and is free of charge. Motorized vehicles are not permitted inside the facility.

Weather

Seasonal weather in Central Florida can vary from cool to very hot. The Orlando Wetlands consists mostly of open exposed marsh with little to no shade; however, there are shaded wooded trails along the facility's perimeter. From late spring, through summer and early fall, expect hot temperatures with the potential for high humidity, lightning and thunderstorms. 

Education Center and Visitor Pavilion

The Education Center is a visitor center with permanent and seasonal exhibits that include live animals and multimedia displays. The center is located just west of the parking lot and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (all year) and Sundays (September - April). It is closed Monday - Thursday.

Just north of the parking lot is the Visitor Pavilion with informational displays, map guides, and informative brochures. Stop there to sign-in and out of the Orlando Wetlands.

Things to Do

Only passive recreation activities are permitted at the Orlando Wetlands. These include photography, wildlife viewing, hiking, the use of non-motorized bicycles and horseback riding. Vehicular traffic, boating, swimming, flying of drones, hunting, fishing and pets (leashed or unleashed) are NOT allowed.

Now open: The Cypress Boardwalk is a 2,200 ft long boardwalk connecting Osprey Boulevard to Limpkin Lane and Bobcat Trail.

Water Quality & Wetlands Management

Advanced treatment of reclaimed water is the primary function of the Orlando Wetlands. Water quality data directs how the facility is managed and maintained.