The DuPuis Management Area is a 21,875-acre multi-use natural area located in northwestern Palm Beach and southwestern Martin counties. The property is interspersed with numerous ponds, wet prairies, cypress domes, pine flatwoods and remnant Everglades marsh. The area provides miles of hiking and horseback trails, an equestrian center, graded vehicle roads, backpack and group campsites and seasonal hunting. DuPuis is far from urban areas, and its dark night sky lends itself to excellent stargazing.

Come and explore the nature center with interpretive displays, or walk the nature trail and butterfly garden. Other activities include fishing from the partially covered pier, hiking along the Cypress boardwalk, picnicking or enjoying primitive group and family camping. There are 22 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Ocean to Lake Trail, and an equestrian campground with access to 40 miles of horseback riding trails. Special events or programs such as stargazing may be offered during the cooler months. Learn about these by calling (561) 924-5310.

Prior to District acquisition in 1986, the property was a ranch for Dutch white-belted cattle, sheep and goats. By 2001, more than 6,500 acres of wetlands on DuPuis were restored through a three-step program. Land managers plugged old drainage ditches, repaired a levee at the southern boundary to restore former Everglades marsh and reconnected a portion of the flow from the adjacent J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area.

Archaeological sites of early American Indians date to 500 B.C. Much later, the Seminole Indians used the DuPuis region as a refuge during the Seminole Indian War of 1835, but living on the land proved difficult. Hundreds of starving Indians were captured and sent to Oklahoma. The area became known as "The Hungryland."

For More Information:
Call DuPuis at (561) 924-5310.

Address:
DuPuis Management Area
23500 SW Kanner Highway
Canal Point, FL 33438

 DuPuis Calendar of Events

DuPuis Management Area Photos and Virtual Tour - view »

Hunting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages hunting on SFWMD lands.

Please visit www.myfwc.com regarding current hunt dates, regulations and directions to check stations to ensure the most accurate and latest information.

• Florida's Wildlife Management Areas – Hunting Brochures
   

Dogs

As of July 1, 2015, dogs are allowed in the DuPuis Management Area. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times.
 

Directions

• Four gates provide access on the south side of Highway 76: Gate 1, main entrance and vehicle access, fishing, picnicking, boardwalk and family and group campgrounds; Gate 2, hiking and bicycling trail; Gate 3, camping, equestrian access, paddocks and barns; Gate 5, nature center and office.
• From southeast Florida: Take I-95 north to PGA Boulevard (S.R. 786). Go west on PGA Boulevard to S.R. 710. Go north for about 15 miles to Kanner Highway, S.R. 76. Take S.R. 76 seven miles west to DuPuis.
• From Okeechobee, Pahokee and Belle Glade: Take U.S. 441 to Port Mayaca. (Good view of Lake Okeechobee from bridge.) Exit onto S.R. 76 and go three miles east to DuPuis.