An Everglades lodge destroyed by two hurricanes is back and better equipped to handle the elements. The newly-constructed Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant offers a place to escape the nagging mosquitoes, cool off in the air-conditioning and relax while looking out at the river of grass from the balcony.
Following the lodge’s destruction by hurricanes in 2005, the National Park Service conducted extensive feasibility studies and began planning for a new lodge in 2018. Considerations for resiliency and storm protection in the face of sea level rise from climate change were integrated in the design and building of the lodge, restaurant and visitor center. Lodge stays began Nov. 1.
Funded by the NPS and Everglades Guest Services LLC, an authorized concessionaire of the NPS, Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant stands as a testament to infrastructure built with care in a delicate ecosystem.
“It is an honor to partner with the National Park Service to open the Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant,” said Nico Foris, chief executive officer of Everglades Guest Services. “We are thrilled to continue our tradition of excellence in hospitality, offering another option at Flamingo in addition to our campsites, eco-tents and houseboats. We look forward to welcoming more park visitors this season and beyond.”
The lodge features a total of 24 rooms, constructed from durable shipping containers and raised off the ground by stairs. This includes eight two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six guests,12 one-bedroom suites suitable for up to four guests and four studios designed for two guests.
Four of the 24 rooms are ADA accessible and can be reached by an elevator and walkway. The interiors blend industrial chic with subtropical influences, from palm tree-themed window shades to calming blue and green tones. Every room boasts an eastward-facing balcony, offering sunrise and sunset views over Florida Bay.


Next to the lodge, Flamingo Restaurant invites guests to indulge in traditional South Florida fare while enjoying views of nearby Florida Bay. Like the lodge, the restaurant is made from durable shipping containers. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a full-service bar.
A grand opening for the Flamingo Lodge & Restaurants and the reconstructed Guy Bradley Visitor Center was held Oct. 27. The Guy Bradley Visitor Center opened its doors in July. The former Flamingo Visitor Center was renamed for the first Audubon game warden, who was killed in the line of duty protecting wading birds during the plume hunting era of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
“We are excited to see these projects come to fruition after years of planning and hard work,” said Pedro Ramos, superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas national parks. “We are grateful for the incredible public and private partnerships that have enabled us to once again make Flamingo a world-class destination for our park visitors.”
More information about Everglades National Park is at nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.