Hours of Operation

A limited portion (1000 feet) of the the Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunrise to sunset.  We are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian.  Access to the tops of the mounds and the foot bridge are prohibited at this time.  Please follow on-site signage and stay on marked paths.  Thank you!

• Memorial Day – October 31st:  Our gift shop will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. Our classroom will generally be open on the same days and times unless we have a special event that requires the use of the classroom.
• November 1st – Memorial Day: Our gift shop will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.  Our classroom will generally be open on the same days and times unless we have a special event that requires the use of the classroom.

Find out more about our hurricane recovery efforts.

Guided Tours

Our guided tours are led by highly trained docents and are a great way to learn about the Calusa!  Currently,  these tours are available by special request for groups with over 4 people, dependent on guide availability. To request a guided tour, please call  239-283-2157 at least 2 weeks before your desired tour date.

From December – mid April, we schedule these tours regularly.  Check back here for updates.

Admission

Requested donations for visitors to the Calusa Heritage Trail are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children. Members of the Friends of the RRC are admitted free. Income from donations and memberships makes it possible to maintain this important archaeological site.

Directions

Follow Pine Island Road (Hwy 78) west through Matlacha to its end at Stringfellow Road. Turn right and go 3.1 miles to the intersection of Pineland Road on left. Turn left and go 1.4 miles (past RRC headquarters next to Pineland Post Office) to end of Pineland Road at Waterfront Drive. Continue right along Waterfront Drive 0.2 miles, just past Tarpon Lodge to Calusa Heritage Trail sign and gate on right.

Google map note: Because of our remote area, sometimes maps show our town as Bokeelia or even Wakulla. A map search for ‘Randell Research Center FL’ will usually give you the correct map point.

Address:
Randell Research Center
13810 Waterfront Drive
Pineland, Florida 33945

239-283-2157 (book store / gift shop)

What to Wear and Bring

Because the Calusa Heritage Trail is entirety outdoors, visitors should dress accordingly.  Much of the site is open to sun exposure.  Summer conditions include heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.  Mosquitoes and gnats can be bothersome during the summer wet season.  Winter morning temperatures occasionally drop into the 40s or 30s, combined with the effects of wind chill.  The following suggestions for items to bring to make your visit more comfortable: 

• Hat
• Sturdy shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water

Video by: Into Nature Films / Videographer: Jennifer Brown