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The park was once the home of Floyd and Jane Wray, who in 1933 built a country home on what was once the edge of the Everglades. The Wrays started a botanical collection of tropical and subtropical fruit trees and shrubs, as well as that most typical of Florida crops – a citrus grove.

Today, you can stroll through this garden of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, 200-years-old oaks and 300-plus species of palms or take a break at "Flamingo's Cafe". You can also check out the 25,000-square-foot Everglades aviary, which houses one of the largest collection of wading birds in America; take a narrated tram ride through the tropical rainforest, native hammock, wetland areas and groves; and visit the historic Wray home and gift shop. (April 29, 2005)