ranDell reSearch center

Dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida

Located in Pineland on Pine Island, the Randell Research Center site was a Calusa Indian village for more than 1500 years. Enormous shell mounds still overlook the waters of Pine Island Sound.

The Randell Research Center is a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history, and ecology of Southwest Florida. The remnants of 15 centuries on Calusa Indian history can be found at the research center.

The Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunup to sundown. Restrooms, book and gift shop, and classroom are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are available by special request for family groups, with COVID protocols, dependent on guide availability. To request a guided tour, please call the RRC at 239-283-2157.

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.