Tibet-Butler Preserve
Let's explore Orlando with a little visit to Tibet-Butler Preserve!
Hello friends! This is the first installment of what I hope will be a continuing series on the blog, exploring Orlando!
When I asked on my Instagram a few weeks ago what you would like to see more of on my blog a lot of you requested more exploring in and around Orlando. I was so happy with this request because Cam and I haven't been back to the theme parks since covid, so we have been exploring more of our local area. When you think of Central Florida, of course you think of theme parks! Outside of that, there are some beautiful areas to discover, including Tibet-Butler Preserve. So let's go explore Tibet-Butler Preserve!
We drive past Tibet-Butler Preserve all the time, but we finally stopped in last week and explored it for the first time. We loved it so much! It is going to become part of our weekly routine.
If you are looking for a little place to explore nature and escape the theme parks then you might want to take a visit to Tibet-Butler Preserve!
You start your exploration of Tibet-Butler Preserve at the Nature Center (pictured below). The Nature Center itself is beautiful and inside you will find lots of information about the wildlife in the area. They offer events and special teaching days, although most of that is still on hold right now due to the Pandemic. You can check the Orange County Parks website for more information on when those will be back.
You will also find the Restrooms near the Nature Center.
P.S. Don't forget to check for some friends around the Nature Center before you head to the trails.
Location: 8777 Winter Garden - Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32836
Hours: 8am - 6pm
Cost: Free!
What to Bring: Don't forget to put on bug spray and sunscreen. Wear closed toed shoes and bring some water.
What not to Bring: Your dog. There are no pets allowed at Tibet-Butler preserve. Your bike. While there bike racks out front for locals who bike to the trail, there are no bikes allowed on the trail.
Now let's hit the trails! There are a few ways you can go, so make sure you check the map (we took a photo of it) so do don't get lost. There are some signs on the trail so don't stress out too much about this, but it's nice to have some peace of mind.
The majority of the Preserve is perfect for beginners and very family friendly. The well maintained trails are a combination of wooden boardwalk over swamp land, and traditional trail. There is only one section of trail, Palmetto Passage, that is not suggested for beginners. It's pretty clear that it's a more advanced trail, so I think it would be pretty hard to just wander down the wrong path. They recommend only advanced hikers venture down that trail.
We have visited Tibet-Butler Preserve both first thing in the morning, and in the early evening before it closes. Both times it was super quiet and enjoyable. Everyone on the trail was respectful of others personal space, and kept a good social distance. We have felt very comfortable every time we have gone.
Depending on the trail you choose you can see all sorts of local wildlife including osprey, woodpeckers, snakes, alligators, river otters, butterflies and so much more!
So in conclusion, if you are looking for a place to have a chill day and escape the craziness of the theme parks, Tibet-Butler Preserve is exactly what you are looking for without having to drive too far! You can explore Florida Nature while still being in Cinderella's backyard.
If you plan to add a visit to Tibet-Butler Preserve to your vacation, or if you are a local who is discovering something new for the first time, don't forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see! Enjoy!
A few things to note: Currently masks are required inside when going inside the Nature Center, but are not required on the trails.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, a lot of the programs that they usually have are suspended due to the pandemic. I will try to update this post when that changes. You can find up to date information on the programs and events at Tibet-Butler Preserve on their website here.