Where is Alligator Alley? A Traveler’s Guide to the Highway


Florida is a state of contrasts. It has bustling beaches and theme parks packed with families. But it also has peaceful natural wonders tucked away in wetlands and forests.

The Sunshine State has many treasures. But few places capture the spirit of Florida’s wild side quite like Alligator Alley.

Alligator Alley was reportedly named for Florida’s most famous reptilian residents. This stretch of highway has fascinated travelers for decades. But where is Alligator Alley? What makes it the wildest route in the Sunshine State? Let's take a look at this famous road and learn some interesting facts about alligators.

Where is Alligator Alley?

Alligator Alley is the nickname for the section of Interstate 75 (I-75). It runs across southern Florida. It stretches about 80 miles. The highway connects Naples on the Gulf Coast to Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic Coast.

This roadway is more than a convenient east-west passage. It’s a direct route through one of the most unique and ecologically rich regions in the United States. This highway gives drivers a front-row seat to Florida’s untamed wilderness.

A Brief History of Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley was first opened in 1968 as part of Route 84. It soon earned a reputation for its isolation and for having poor design. Many called it a treacherous stretch of road. Critics mocked it and dubbed it Alligator Alley. The name made it sound like it was only good for animals in swamps. The road was reconstructed after a lot of work was done.

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