I 75 Alligator Alley Florida – Is Alligator Alley Dangerous? – Florida Travel Blog

I 75 Alligator Alley Florida – Is Alligator Alley Dangerous?

The toll road I 75 Alligator Alley Florida is one of the most traveled stretches of road in all of Florida. The four-lane highway is the fastest way to get from east to west in south Florida.

Florida Travel Blog answers all your questions, concerns, and misinformation about Alligator Alley in Florida from the toll booth in Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) to the westernmost toll booth in Collier County (Naples, Florida).

Many people are fascinated with alligators. That seems to be a big draw for traveling I 75 Alligator Alley Florida. While you will occasionally see alligators, if that is your goal there is a better option.

Just south of Alligator Alley is another road that crosses south Florida called the Tamiami Trail. You will generally be rewarded with more sightings on Rt. 41, the Tamiami Trail. You can see our comparison here.

What is Alligator Alley?

Alligator Alley was opened as a two-lane roadway through the Everglades in 1968. Controversy quickly developed. It was a dangerous road. Head-on collisions were common. Wildlife quickly became accustomed to the traffic and used the roadway for crossings in the Everglades. That resulted in more collisions.

Finally, in 1986 it was decided to re-route I-75 onto Alligator Alley. That became a six-year project that resulted in today’s toll road with four lanes (and more in some areas). That turned Alligator Alley into a superhighway as they rerouted waterways for wildlife under the freeway. Tall fences keep man from infringing on the creatures of the swamps (or vice versa).

Is Alligator Alley Dangerous?

No, this interstate highway, with limited access, is as safe as any major highway in Florida.

How long is Alligator Alley?

I 75 Alligator Alley is 75 miles long from the toll booth in western Broward County to the toll booth in eastern Collier County.

How much are the tolls on Alligator Alley?

As of January 14, 2023, tolls were $3.25 for a standard automobile.

Where are the rest stops on Alligator Alley?

There are numerous rest stops and recreation areas along I 75 Alligator Alley. They include rest stops on both the north lanes and south lanes at mile markers (MM) 32, MM 36, MM 62, as well as a food, gas and deli store at MM 49.

Is there a gas station on Alligator Alley?

At MM 49 the Miccosukee Tribe runs a complete travel stop for everything from Dunkin Donuts and other food like fried chicken. They have a store for essentials and numerous gas pumps.

Are there boat ramps on Alligator Alley?

Yes, there are boat ramps on Alligator Alley at MM 32 on both sides of the road. At MM 38 on the north side of the road (going west) there is a boat ramp. At MM 41 there is a boat ramp on the south side (going east).

Are there recreational areas along Alligator Alley?

Yes. At MM 32 there are picnic areas on both the north and south sides of I 75 Alligator Alley. At MM 62 there are hiking trails, night security, picnic tables, and restrooms on both sides (east and west).

Map of Alligator Alley

Our description of I 75 Alligator Alley

As you embark on your journey across Alligator Alley from the east (Broward County), you see the river of grass as noted in a book by Marjory Stoneham in 1947. The grass seems to go on forever, but in reality, Alligator Alley is about 20 miles of grass with canals on both sides of the road before the Everglades scenery changes.

As you enter the Big Cypress Preserve at MM 49, you start to see more features of trees, mangroves and swamp-like lands. You also start to see hundreds of birds lining the canals looking for their daily sustenance.

Egrets, herons and anhinga are predominant with the occasional owls, turkey vultures, crows and hawks. Alligator sightings are most likely along the banks of the canals when gators sun themselves.

At MM 88 you see the Florida Panther National Wildlife Reserve. While we have never been fortunate enough to observe the Florida Panther in the wild, it is a reminder of the wonders of nature in the Everglades.

Should you want to delve into more of the Everglades and the natural surroundings, at MM 80 there is an exit that is Rt. 29. If you take the road south is will lead you to Everglades City. 

Everglades City is a town of a couple hundred people is reminiscent of Florida’s past. Here, along with the island of Chokoloskee, man has learned to live with the harshness of the Everglades.

What is the best time to visit the Everglades?

We are not sure if there is a best or worse time. Seasons do change to some degree, but this wild wonderful setting seems to always surprise and delight visitors.

Other References to the Everglades and Backroads of Florida