Scenery along the wet walk path. Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve photo.

Unique parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Lee County. They offer visitors a chance to soak up the area’s special natural landscape and they each offer something different. Before visiting, be sure to check lightning alert widgets and practice lightning safety. All parks are free to visit, however, there may be a parking fee.

For a list of all available parks, please visit https://www.leegov.com/parks/parks. Here are a few must-visit options to get you started.

LAKES PARK

Lakes Regional Park is located in south Fort Myers and it’s home to walking and biking trails, playgrounds for kids, and a farmer’s market during season. In the 1960s, it began as a man-made area where rock was quarried and the county purchased the park in 1978. It celebrated its grand opening in 1984.

Address: Lakes Park is at 7330 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers.

SIX-MILE CYPRESS SLOUGH PRESERVE

Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is home to a boardwalk that meanders through 3,500 acres of narrow wetland with slowly flowing freshwater. There are majestic lake views scattered throughout and a shady canopy of trees lines the boardwalk. You may also see alligators, turtles, otters, and wading birds that live at the Slough year-round. Guided walks along the boardwalk are offered Wednesdays and the fourth Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at no cost with paid parking.

Address: Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is at 7751 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers.

MANATEE PARK

Manatee Park is known for being able to spot non-captive Florida manatees. Manatees visit the park because they’re attracted to its warm water during the cooler days in winter when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is below 68° F. There is also a walking trail in the park with information about manatees, if you’d like to learn more about Florida’s gentle giant.

Address: Manatee Park is at 10901 State Road 80, Fort Myers.

JOHN YARBROUGH LINEAR PARK

John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail consists of six miles of paved trails with walking, jogging, hiking, rollerblading, on-leash dog walking, bicycling, fishing, birding and picnicking. The trail is accessible by sidewalk or paths at Six Mile Cypress Slough Parkway, Daniels Parkway, Crystal Drive and Colonial Boulevard. Public parking is available at Lakes Regional Park, the Neighborhood Trailhead Park and the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Center.