The brand new I-75 Alligator Alley Environmental Education Center is now open at Mile Marker 35 on…read moreAlligator Alley across from the Broward County Sheriff and rest stop. This nature center was recently opened by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This $12 million dollar project for the FDOT was designed by the Cotleur & Hearing transportation team. I think they did an outstanding job. The nature center has multilevel boardwalks over a three acre living pond exhibit where you can see alligators and other wildlife. The wetland was designed with a circulation system that draws water from the adjacent Everglades to replicate the natural sheet flow of the ecosystem. The boardwalks take you up and down and along the way are interpretive signs. The highlight is the four story observation tower that gives you panoramic views of the Everglades. There is also seating and an 15 foot alligator statue perfect for family pictures. The landscape design for this park includes 13 aquatic species, 68 upland and transitional species, and over 31,000 plants that represent the unique and incredible habitat of the Florida Everglades. At the rest stop there are bathrooms, snack machines, and more educational displays. This center is only 20 minutes from the Broward entrance to Alligator Alley but you feel a world away.