randell research center

The osprey were putting on quite the show for us on a VERY rainy overcast day. We saw a yellow bellied sapsucker and some beautiful flowers in bloom! We will definitely be back for this and will walk the longer trail when it's less wet. The facilities were clean and you can tell the folks take a lot of pride in this little park. Informative and Enjoyable! Great job guys!

Very interesting site with easy walking and an interpretive display exhibiting what knowledge is understood about the elusive history of these early native Americans that were decimated by exposure to Spanish illnesses and battles.

There are so many archaeological sites on the West Coast of Florida its hard to choose just one, but this one might be it. Check the RRC website and see the Calusa video before you come. Calusa life is well documented chronologically. The mounds themselves are impressive, with beautiful views. And Pine Island is extremely cute at the entrance, with all its colored buildings. I know someone is going to say nearby Little Salt Springs or Warm Mineral Springs are both more important archaeological sites, but there is nothing at those sites that explain what this one does. I might say its the best site of all the West Coast sites. i clicked yes there is a fee, but am not 100% certain.

My wife and I visited family in the area! The paths are easy to walk and there are plenty of birds and other wildlife to see. Wear bug spray and read the boards which describe what you are seeing. Across the street is a marina where you can see islands on the Gulf Coast, plenty of birds and great sunsets.

Despite having a sulky teenager begging to leave, my husband and I enjoyed seeing this. Wish we'd timed it right for a guided tour (10 and 1), it was still enjoyable taking a self-guided tour and reading the well-done signage. Additional artifacts and reproductions in the classroom adjacent to the bookstore. Glad we were there on an overcast day. Wear your bug spray, sunscreen and hat--it is muggy and buggy.

We happened upon Randell Research Center while exploring Pine Island and were delighted with the trails (we got there after 5 and were able to walk through the self-guided trails without any other people around). There were osprey feeding their young and watching us as we explored, Ibis flocking, a rabbit poking around in the grass and other birds I couldn't identify. The information about the Calusa Indians was also interesting. They also have a pier across the street which is great to stand and watch the sun go down as fish jump in the air. It's very quiet and off the beaten path. Definitely a good place to check out.

Easy access from Tarpon Lodge. No special planning to get there; just walk in. Trees are labeled so you only need to identify the birds you see.

The history of early Florida is well-preserved and well-presented at Randell Research Center. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. Take a day and learn some incredible information about the Calusa Indians and their unique history!

We had seen an article in the local paper and decided to check this out. We were dispappointed to say the least. There is not a shred of archeological finds to actually view, only a few "reproductions". We felt like were just walking around a pasture reading signs that showed no actual evidence of the Calusa Indians stay in the area. A dig site, a few real pieces of history, etc. would have made this so much more interesting. In our opinion it was not worth the $7 donation.

Two walking paths, one takes 20 minutes, the other 40. Educational signs, pleasant views. Definitely worth a stop.

Educational Entertainment! This is a very interesting place to stop & spend a few unique hours. It's a shame it's not more widely publicized. The staff here was very pleasant. The donation is $7 p.p...or, $5 p.p for seniors. Also, will give discount for students. Currently they have GUIDED tours on Wed., Fri. & Sat at 10a & 1pm. Starting in Jan they apparently add more times, to use a guide. Our guide was very knowledgable & talkative. The trailway / site is well highlighted w/ signage...but, as I've always found, a good guide offers such great detail. The entire site takes roughly hour & half to meander thru. There's also an option at one point that you can decide to take a shorter tour which is about an hour. This is an easy walk on flat terrain. The highest mound there are stairs to go up and lookout over the land. It's a scenic drive out & around the area. Also, there's a real nice restaurant about 30seconds from this attraction called Tarpon Lodge.

This is a park that preserves several Calusa shell mounds. Although there is not much to see, it's a pretty park with great views. We also enjoyed learning the history of the Calusa people. The "donation" was well worth it.

$7 donation asked at the entrance, with map and information provided. This center is actually run by UF as a historical/archaeological site and seems to be a field trip destination for local schools. Easy walking tour of Calusa Indian middens with one stair portion. Each mound is clearly explained with illustrated markers. Less than one mile total. Gift shop, restrooms, and informational classroom on site.

We found this place last year and decided to make another visit this year. As last year, we found the man who "welcomed" us extremely agressive and he again soon told us that he would collect our "donation". There had already been several signs about the "donation" as we walked in and we told him that a donation is something one gives willingly and not something that one should be coerced or shamed into giving. He said since we had been there before, we didn't have to pay which we tried to explain to him was not the point but he really didn't get the fact that his approach was not very welcoming.I would feel much better if they either charge an entry fee or not be so high pressure with the donation and let people give what they want if anything. Frankly we would probably have given more if that was their approach. Once we got past the "welcoming", we were greeted in a building which houses artifacts and information by a very nice and helpful woman to whom we gave our donation.There didn't seem to be a lot changed from last year, except I don't think we went up to the first and highest mound. Unfortunately it is so grown up around it, you can't see the water or the grounds from the top. Knowing that before the climb would be helpful, particularly for those with mobility issues.I think this place is certainly of historical significance but like a previous commentator, it seems that not much effort is being made to bring it closer to its full potential. More could be displayed about what is being done now and more (and changing) educational could be provided. Something as simple as having a brochure with the walking trails and a little more content in the middle that visitors could take home would be helpful. Instead one gets a laminated sheet with the walking trail that they are asked to return when they leave. A brochure that folks take home would bring more publicity fo the site and if it also had a place for donations, could help in this area as well.Bottom line, this place needs folks running/planning it who really understand how to provide educational content in a dynamic manner which is welcoming and encourages people to come again. It seems that this level of professionalism does not exist currently and it is a shame.

This is a terrific place to learn more about the Calusa tribe and their culture. The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly and the walk through the site is quite interesting. Also a great place to watch the local wildlife. This research site is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Be sure to check out their website: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc/.