Since the 1960s, Florida's Everglades National Park has been a beloved destination for many, attracting visitors to the charming Flamingo Lodge at the southern tip of this vibrant ecosystem.

Originally constructed from cinder blocks, the lodge unfortunately succumbed to the fierce forces of hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, leading to its demolition in 2009. The dream of rebuilding seemed daunting, especially amid increasing storms and a tightening budget. However, a dedicated team of National Park Service employees and tourism partners held onto hope and determination.

Allyson Gantt, the NPS chief of communications for Everglades, shared the sentiments of many: “There were many reasons to rebuild Flamingo Lodge. We heard from visitors that generations of people who had come that this was a destination, the opportunity to spend the night inside a national park and expand and enhance their experience.”

With a spirit of resilience, stakeholders rallied together to reimagine the lodge. Flamingo Adventures, the parent company, began revitalizing the campsite, marina, and general store, soon realizing that a new, sturdy lodge was essential to face future weather challenges.

While the original lodge boasted over 100 rooms and a swimming pool, the new Flamingo Lodge embraces a more intimate design with 24 cozy rooms, ingeniously constructed from durable steel shipping containers. These containers are thoughtfully arranged in clusters, complete with a restaurant and bar, all elevated on 13-foot concrete pillars designed to withstand the strongest storms.

Sustainability played a vital role in the lodge's rebirth. Gantt emphasized the importance of this aspect, stating, “Sustainability was hugely important and integrated into the design and the building of the lodge." The design team worked diligently to ensure that the new structures would be equipped to handle the realities of climate change, including using the right materials to secure a bright future for the lodge.

The new Flamingo Lodge, which reopened at the end of 2023, is set to welcome guests eager to explore this unique paradise when the summer season kicks off on June 1. It stands as the only hotel within the national park, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. For years, visitors had limited options, either camping in the park or traveling to find accommodations nearly an hour away.

This new chapter for Flamingo Lodge is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the NPS and its partners, especially in the face of a significant maintenance backlog and challenges brought on by funding cuts. Laura Sherman, vice president of hospitality at Flamingo Adventures, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “When you think about the Everglades, you think about the wildlife, the fauna, and the ecosystem that’s the only one like it in the world. To be able to develop and build something like this, where people can come and stay and experience it all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some.”

Gantt shares this enthusiasm, noting that the new lodge and visitor center are designed with resilience in mind. “We hope the new lodge, restaurant, and visitor center will encourage more travelers to discover and rediscover this unique public land.”

With the Flamingo Lodge now open, people can once again immerse themselves in the magic of the Everglades, enjoying everything from kayaking to boat tours amidst breathtaking scenery. It's an exciting time for all who cherish this remarkable slice of nature.