Fern Forest Nature Center

201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, USA

Related:	half day forest preserve
Address:	201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, USA
Phone:	+1 954-357-5198
Site:	broward.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Ariel W.

This nature center is around the corner from my house and I have been coming here for years so it will always hold a place in my heart. I primarily come here to run. There is not a lot of visible wildlife compared to some of the other nature centers in the area although I have seen butterflies, raccoons, armadillos, and a really large land turtle on the grassy plains part in the way back. When you first enter you follow an elevated boardwalk to the two story visitors center. The lower level has a ranger station with some educational displays. To the left is an amphitheater with bench seating. On weekends I have seen folk concerts and weddings held here. Also on the lower level you will find the bathrooms and water fountains. The second floor is a reception area called Royal Fern Hall complete with a kitchen that can be rented for weddings and meetings. Every Halloween they do a nice program for the kiddies up there. Once a week they also offer yoga in the park. There is a sign advertising it at the entrance from Lyons Road. Once you go around the visitors center you will come to a small gate that will take you out to the paths. The path to the left is the Cypress Creek Trail. It is a half mile elevated boardwalk that loops back around to the start. This is the only good area for a wheelchair. The path to the right takes you over a small bridge and out to the back field and a path that goes through the woods. Here you will find the one mile Prairie Overlook Trail that has a small elevated covered observation platform with benches. Maps for everything are at the visitors center. If you come here you want to make absolutely sure that nothing is left visible in your car. There has been a number of break ins primarily taking place later in the day towards closing time when there are less people around. You also want to bring some bug spray with you especially if you plan on going through the woods. The last time I was here this month was not bad but I have been here when the mosquitoes were so thick I literally ran for my life. This a great and cheap (no fee) place to relax in nature and decompress from the stress of the work week.

Amanda Diaz

Despues de tanto buscar algun sitio donde pudiera sentirme cerca de la paz que te da un paisaje natural,y frecuentar a menudo sin tener que pagar por entrar, en el condado Broward y que ademas quedara cerca de donde vivo, ha llegado el Fern Forest de alguna manera romantica a mi vida. He quedado fascinada por el lugar. Lo primero que te impacta no es ni siquiera cuando uno llega si no cuando se esta aproximando el lugar y ya uno respira diferente y la sensacion de una temperatura muy agradable en contraste con el de otras areas de la ciudad. Asi que uno se adentra con la idea de lo purificante del lugar. Y lo demas, los invito a que lo descubran, asegurandoles una tranquila estancia y renovador para nuestro dia.

Maurice Pierre

Ive only been once so far and I already love it. I plan to visit often, but might wait until it cools down again. Not because of the temperature, since the lush Forest does an incredible job of reducing the heat, but because The State Bird of FL, the mosquito, has resumed their annual residence and are in full flight. I was only able to explore a small part of the center because I was there for a training, but from what I experienced it was nothing short of magical. Oh BTW, the meeting room boasts the best view you could have for any type of class, training or event you could plan. It has a kitchen area that should be on a TV cooking show, and ample chairs and tables to host family, friends, or coworkers. As it is so aptly named, there are tons of ferns, and native vegetation throughout the nature center. The staff, in addition to being extremely helpful and pleasant, do an incredible job of maintaining the park. Even with all of that, entry is free during the week and only $1.50 on the weekends. If you love being immersed in nature, follow the boardwalk. It will lead you head over heels to happiness.

A Private User

This place is full of wildlife. Best place for photographers in general. Tons of things to do and tons of photos to take! Just make sure to bring a can of bug spray, water, and a hat! It gets pretty hot and in some parts of the season you get tons of mosquitoes! But its all worth it! The place is awesome but make sure your partner is a good walker if your going hiking! Best to go there in a twosome or more. I have seen armadillos, cicadas, Soft shell turtles, and more! Great place and free!

mwc4God

I dont believe in magic, but this comes kinda close, lol! A great way to see Gods creation, in person and up close, while being largely separated from it, while walking on the elevated wooden walkway through the Cypress Knees, hanging moss, exquisite spider webs and small creatures are able to be seen...off to the sides thankfully! There is an area at the end of the walkway where you can walk down and onto the grassy area and hike some trails. Very cool p[lace!

Kristen Northup

As long as you dont work and only want to go to a park between the hours of 9am and 5pm. I was also kicked out by rude staff. I thought County parks were open from sunrise to sunset. This is a County owned park, so its very disappointing to have these hours. The best nature is visible at sunrise, and people walk parks after work to unwind! I guess parks arent for the working people anymore?

Steven Cook

A beautiful wilderness area that takes its name from the abundance of ferns you see everywhere. The trails are beautiful, particularly the Cypress Creek Trail, which is a great boardwalk.Supposedly there was a bobcat in the park per the park ranger. You will not be disappointed if you want to a great place to view wildlife and indigenous Florida native trees.

kyle bennett

This place. If you died and went to heaven right now, you better hope its as beautiful as this place!!!! We had our wedding here. Great service for the wedding, AMAZING scenery for the service! Also, great natural hiking trails and a gorgeous boardwalk. If you wait magic on the middle of metro Ft. Lauderdale, look no further!!!

Jacqueline Pavan

I love this park, it has several trails to go for a good walk, also you can learn about its history and the animal that live there, and used to lived there. They have amenities to do parties and weddings. They also have yoga classes, sometimes music since they have a little stage, and many other activities.

Ryan Johnson

Great get a way place thats nice and relaxing. Went to a gorgeous wedding at the 2nd floor reception and it was out of this world. One down side is if youre caught in the rain, the walkway can be very slippery. Other than that highly recommend going here for an event or a short walk around the park.

Keith Lee

This is a special place in Broward County. Ive come to this place for about 15 years and every time I there are several walking trails both on a boardwalk and are natural ground that you will find interesting. There is also an observation tower and several benches for sitting and enjoying the view.