ORLANDO, Fla. – The long-awaited visitor center at the Orlando Wetlands is finally open, according to a news release from the city.

The 5,000-square-foot building, which has been in the works for years, is located near the front of the park, features interactive exhibits, live animals, and “stunning views,” officials said.

The 1,650-acre Orlando Wetlands is a man-made wetland used to treat reclaimed water from Orlando and other local cities and has become a popular spot for nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers and hikers

Mayor Buddy Dyer, who was at the ribbon cutting for the center on Wednesday called the park “a haven for wildlife and a site for recreational activities. Its new visitor center is now open, helping inform and inspire those who visit this unique space.”

Orlando Wetlands is located at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas and is open from sunrise to sunset from Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed on Mondays.

There are free tram tours of the wetlands on Fridays & Saturdays from 9 a.m. until p.m. and Sundays (through April only) from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Last tram tour departs at 2:15 p.m. and all are weather permitting.