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National Parks
The City of Homestead is the Gateway to the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks
Homestead Trolley to the National Parks
Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park
The City of Homestead is located less than ten miles from Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park and offers the ideal location for overnight guests to lodge, dine, shop, gather information, and purchase supplies when visiting the parks. These two national parks also provide Homestead residents easy access to nature and outdoor recreational and educational activities such as fishing, birding, kayaking and camping.

“We are one of the only cities in America located between two national parks, we have an exciting opportunity to capitalize on the eco-tourism dollars generated by our unique ecosystems,” said Councilman Stephen R. Shelley, who proposed the resolution to name Homestead the Gateway to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. “Solidifying our historic partnership with the Everglades and Biscayne National Park through this resolution makes our shared mission with the parks of tourism and conservation even stronger.”
“For decades the Homestead’s local businesses have hosted millions of national park visitors, residents have enjoyed a wealth of recreational opportunities, and local students have studied globally significant ecosystems on field trips,” said Biscayne National Park Superintendent Brian Carlstrom.“An official designation as a gateway community to Biscayne and Everglades National Parks will enhance the city’s identity, draw tourism, and boost its economy.”
Additionally, the City of Homestead is continuing to work with the National Park Service, Miami-Dade County, the State of Florida and Federal Government to secure funding to construct the Biscayne-Everglades Greenway project. The Biscayne-Everglades Greenway project is a 42 mile round trip bicycle path that will connect Biscayne National Park with Everglades National Park. The Greenway project, which was first developed by Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman, would be the first and only bike trail in the U.S. to connect two national parks and would have an immediate economic impact to Homestead and the surrounding communities.
“We applaud the Homestead City Council for declaring the City of Homestead as the gateway community, connecting urbanites to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks,” said Kahlil Kettering, Biscayne restoration program analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association. “National parks are economic generators, serving as living classrooms that tell our shared American heritage and are great places to have fun. By 2030, 85 percent of all Americans will live in urban areas and gateway communities like Homestead are vital for engaging and inspiring the next generation of park stewards at Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.”
Homestead Trolley to the National Parks
Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park
The City of Homestead is located less than ten miles from Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park and offers the ideal location for overnight guests to lodge, dine, shop, gather information, and purchase supplies when visiting the parks. These two national parks also provide Homestead residents easy access to nature and outdoor recreational and educational activities such as fishing, birding, kayaking and camping.
“We are one of the only cities in America located between two national parks, we have an exciting opportunity to capitalize on the eco-tourism dollars generated by our unique ecosystems,” said Councilman Stephen R. Shelley, who proposed the resolution to name Homestead the Gateway to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park. “Solidifying our historic partnership with the Everglades and Biscayne National Park through this resolution makes our shared mission with the parks of tourism and conservation even stronger.”
“For decades the Homestead’s local businesses have hosted millions of national park visitors, residents have enjoyed a wealth of recreational opportunities, and local students have studied globally significant ecosystems on field trips,” said Biscayne National Park Superintendent Brian Carlstrom.“An official designation as a gateway community to Biscayne and Everglades National Parks will enhance the city’s identity, draw tourism, and boost its economy.”
Additionally, the City of Homestead is continuing to work with the National Park Service, Miami-Dade County, the State of Florida and Federal Government to secure funding to construct the Biscayne-Everglades Greenway project. The Biscayne-Everglades Greenway project is a 42 mile round trip bicycle path that will connect Biscayne National Park with Everglades National Park. The Greenway project, which was first developed by Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman, would be the first and only bike trail in the U.S. to connect two national parks and would have an immediate economic impact to Homestead and the surrounding communities.
“We applaud the Homestead City Council for declaring the City of Homestead as the gateway community, connecting urbanites to Everglades and Biscayne National Parks,” said Kahlil Kettering, Biscayne restoration program analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association. “National parks are economic generators, serving as living classrooms that tell our shared American heritage and are great places to have fun. By 2030, 85 percent of all Americans will live in urban areas and gateway communities like Homestead are vital for engaging and inspiring the next generation of park stewards at Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.”