Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge


If you approach Key Largo from FL 905, you’ll be driving through one of the last wild sanctuaries for the threatened American crocodile, indigo snake and Key Largo woodrat – the latter is an enterprising fellow who likes to build 4ft by 6ft homes out of forest debris. Unfortunately, this really is a refuge; the wildlife areas are closed to the public, and your chances of seeing the species we’ve mentioned from the road are negligible.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

6.27 MILES

This 106-mile bike and pedestrian trail will eventually stretch from Key Largo to Key West. About 90 miles of it are currently complete. For more info…

2. Caribbean Club Bar

8.27 MILES

Here’s one for the movie fans, particularly Bogie buffs: the lively Caribbean Club Bar is, in fact, the only place in Key Largo where Key Largo, starring…

3. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

9.74 MILES

John Pennekamp has the singular distinction of being the first underwater park in the USA. There’s 170 acres of dry parkland here and over 48,000 acres …

4. Biscayne National Park

12.58 MILES

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5. Everglades Outpost

17.03 MILES

The Everglades Outpost houses, feeds and cares for wild animals that have been seized from illegal traders, abused, neglected or donated by people who…

6. Historic Town Hall

18.06 MILES

Built in 1917, this stolid white building fulfilled many roles – city council chambers, fire department, police station – in the once tiny township of…

7. Downtown Homestead

18.09 MILES

You could pass a mildly entertaining afternoon walking around Homestead’s almost quaint main street, which essentially comprises a couple of blocks of…

8. Harry Harris Park

18.42 MILES

This small park is a good place to take the kids – there’s a small playground, picnic tables, grills for barbecuing, basketball courts and ball fields…