The Calusa Heritage Trail is now open from sunrise to sunset. The store, classroom and restrooms are still closed. Bicycles are not allowed on the trail. Visitors are encouraged to maintain physical distancing and avoid touching handrails or signage to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

Hours

The Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunup to sundown. Restrooms, book and gift shop, and classroom are open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are offered to the public during peak season (January-April) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Groups may also schedule guided tours at other times by calling the RRC at 239-283-2157.

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 for the RRC 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 1.2 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 RRC 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

239-283-2062 (main office)
239-283-2157 (book store)

What to Wear and Bring

Because the Calusa Heritage Trail is outdoors, visitors should dress accordingly.  Summer conditions include heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and winter morning temperatures occasionally drop into the 40s or 30s, combined with the effects of wind chill.  In addition, much of the site is open to sun exposure, and mosquitoes and gnats can be bothersome during the summer wet season. The following recommendations are intended as suggestions only:

Video by: Into Nature Films / Videographer: Jennifer Brown