Outside Of Fort Myers Is Florida's Underrated City Known For Wildlife, A Famous Casino, And Unique Trails

Many people who come to Fort Myers visit to enjoy the great beaches, and in this region of the state, nature lovers can easily find a spot to boat alongside dolphins and manatees. But there's even more to experience here. The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a wildlife-filled gem with a scenic boardwalk trail that is located in Fort Myers, but visitors who drive a little farther will find an underrated city with two national wildlife refuges — Immokalee. Maybe you've never heard of the city of Immokalee, but this unique piece of Florida should definitely be bumped up to the top of your must-visit list. It has a small population, but an abundance of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.

In addition to wildlife, the city has another wild side, as it's home to the Seminole Casino Hotel, one of Florida's most famous casinos. You won't find an entire strip of casinos like you would in Las Vegas, but the one casino in Immokalee is a destination in itself — and you will find that it has all of the slots and table games you could ever want. It also has live entertainment, restaurants, and a nice hotel. You don't even have to choose between being Team Slot Machine or Team Hiking Trails when you come to Immokalee — it's easy to include both experiences when visiting. You can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), rent a car, and drive to Immokalee in about 45 minutes.

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is one spot you'll want to go to when visiting Immokalee — it is part of the largest mangrove forest in North America. Take a walk on the 2.2-mile trail that will lead you to an observation tower. There you'll find scopes to spot an array of wildlife, including raccoons, bobcats, otters, Florida black bears, and more than 200 types of birds. Although it's not one of the five spots in Florida with the most alligators, it's common to see them here, too. 

While you're in town, also plan a visit to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. A lot of the refuge is off limits to visitors, but there are a couple of short trails — a 1.19-mile loop trail, and another gravel loop that is only about one-third of a mile. Wildflowers adorn the landscape in late winter and early spring, and there's also an abundance of wildlife at this refuge, too. But you're not guaranteed to see a Florida panther. They're listed as an Endangered Species, and it's estimated that there are approximately 230 adults left in the wild. People have seen tracks on the longer trail though, so be on the lookout. This Google reviewer said, "Didn't see any panthers, but saw signs they had been around. I will definitely go back!" For the best chance of seeing wildlife, you'll want to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. 

Hopefully, the odds will be in your favor and you'll spot all of the wildlife you're hoping to see. If not, perhaps your luck will be better at the casino. While Florida may not be one of the top players in the gaming world, there are a few casinos in the Sunshine State, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, a coastal Florida city with a buzzing downtown, and another in Tampa. There's also a Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee, and this is not only the best place to stay if you come to the area, but it also serves as its own adult playground. There are over 1,400 slots, but if table games are more your thing, you'll be able to try your luck at craps, blackjack, poker, and more.

This Tripadvisor reviewer shared what to expect there. "We stayed in a very comfortable suite at the hotel. I would recommend a visit sometime. Had all the amenities listed online and then some. The table games in the casino were good. Dealers were really nice. A large variety of slots and some of my favorite video poker. Large areas [of] non-smoking [were] a plus." Visitors will also find four restaurants and a few bars. This reviewer shared one important thing to know if you do plan to partake in adult beverages: "Drinks are not free like in Vegas, but they are inexpensive."