The St. Johns River Water Management District’s 20,000 acres of wetlands — once part of Lake Apopka and now a lake restoration area — provide a free place for nearly 150,000 people a year to get out ...

A tri-colored heron forages along the shore of Lake Apopka on New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31, 2021. Visitors can get up-close views of a plethora of wildlife along Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, ...

The Orlando area is known for elaborate theme parks, tolls, tourists, and traffic. But wildlife? Not so much. That's why Lake Apopka and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive fly a bit under the radar when it ...

Read full article: Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive reopening after flooding from Hurricane Ian The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive has reopened to the public after being underwater from Hurricane Ian. Read full ...

Kick off Law Enforcement Appreciation Month with two special community events and commemorate the 10th anniversary of a theme park of the natural kind: The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Plus, a new ...

APOPKA, Fla. — The Apopka Wildlife Drive will be closed for the next three Fridays due to slope stabilization work. Crews from the Saint Johns River Water Management District will be conducting the ...

Visitors can observe over 370 bird species, alligators, otters, and bobcats from their vehicles. The drive is part of a 20,000-acre restoration area managed by the St. Johns Water Management District.

This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions. The Orlando area is ...