Hurricane Update

Dear friends,

The staff and volunteers at the Randell Research Center send healing thoughts to our local and regional neighbors and entire community of support following the devastating toll of Hurricane Ian. As you may know, the bridge in Matlacha was destroyed so vehicular traffic to Pine Island is impossible at the moment. We will be closed to the public until further notice. We are assessing the damage to the Randell Research Center and Calusa Heritage Trail and will update you all as we are able.

We look forward to seeing you all again soon and serving the greater southwest Florida community.

Sincerely,
The Randell Research Center Team

Hours of Operation

The Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunrise to sunset.

Guided Tours

Guided walking tours of the Calusa Heritage Trail are not scheduled for the summer or fall months. Winter guided tour dates and times will be posted soon.  Guided tours are available by special request for groups with over 6 people, dependent on guide availability. To request a guided tour, please call  239-283-2062 at least 2 weeks before your desired tour date.

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.

Join the Friends of the RRC

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

239-283-2062 (main office)
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: 

Video by: Into Nature Films / Videographer: Jennifer Brown