Randell Research Center - Bokeelia, Florida

Darla D.

Beautiful and educational walk! We spent about an hour here. There is a classroom area and a lot of informational signs talking about the Caloosa people and the mounds. Path was about a mile long, made of soft sand and looks like it gets muddy after a rain. There were stairs to climb up two of the middens. Great place for birding.

There is a suggested donation of $7 per person.

Teri G.

Very interesting place to visit and learn about the Calusa Indians. I was hoping for more trails, but it was a nice visit nonetheless😊

Dean H.

Nice place, no wildlife on the day I went, pretty manicured grounds. Some paths were closed due to damage or water when I went. Best views were from the Randall Mound. Nice way to explore the history of Florida.

Jennifer A.

Really a hidden gem. We only got to walk a small portion of the trail as Ian has made the rest of the trails impassable. The kids really enjoyed the small portion we were able to walk. It’s a nice piece of history about the Calusa Indians. The displays along the path were very informative. We also got a glimpse into the classroom which I thought was a neat idea to further your knowledge of its rich history. Then we visited the small gift shop. Will definitely be back once it’s fully open. Nice little place to visit and we saw many birds as well.

Chad L.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Randell Research Center in July 2022, and it was a great experience! Spending two hours exploring the grounds, I gained fascinating insights into the history of the Calusa people and their impressive society. This site is considered the original Tampa, and the remnants of their shell mound structures and ancient canals—some of which once stretched across the island—were cool to see.

Walking the trails and seeing these historical features firsthand gave me a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the Calusa civilization. I also spotted a few varieties of snakes and coastal birds.The center is well-maintained, educational, and peaceful, making it the great destination for history enthusiasts or anyone curious about Florida’s rich cultural heritage. I visited before Hurricane Ian, so I'm not sure if all the trails are still open.

Be sure to stop by the small bookstore, which has an excellent selection of books to enhance your understanding of florida's indigenous people and some replicas of art work for sale. I highly recommend visiting the Randell Research Center—though I can’t help but wonder if a name reflecting its Indigenous heritage might draw even more visitors. Regardless, it’s a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into Florida’s past.

Diana T.

Lovely place for a walk. Informative self guided tours of Calusa Indian burial mounds. Lots of birds and lizards to watch. I went on a Sunday morning and was one of only three people there. It was a beautiful, peaceful place to spend the morning.

Debi S.

Denege Patterson was our docent who has an impressive knowledge of the Calusa Indians & the surrounding area's historical development. We happily added our name to the waiting list for the 2nd printing of her book looking at the history of the area! The signs make it an easy day of exploration on your own...or you can arrange a guided tour by calling ahead. Picnic area available for public use or the Pine Island Lodge is steps away for nice restaurant experience.

Suzi B.

I happened upon this place while working in the area. What a beautiful and informative way to spend a few hours learning about history and nature. The inforative signs along the way are written for kids and adults to bith enjoy, and the volunteers obviously love what they do!