Park Summary for Print - Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

A butterfly tree orchid in bloom on a buttonwood tree.

Welcome to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida's Upper Keys; most of these forests have been lost to development on other islands. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker's home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest. Ranger-guided tours are given twice daily, Thursday through Monday. The park is accessible only by private boat or tour boat. Tour boat services, as well as boat and kayak rentals, are available from Robbie's Marina. For tour reservations call (305) 664-9814. Located one mile west of U.S. 1 at Mile Marker 78.5.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, please call 305-664-2540.

Hours of Operation

Park is open Thursday-Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Driving Directions

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is located one mile west of U.S.1 at Mile Marker 78.5. Access is by private boat or charter boats at nearby marinas.

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 305-664-2540.

Activities at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

	Boat Tours Tour boat service to the island is available through "Robbie's Marina." For reservations and fees, please call (305) 664-9814. Tour boat departs 1/2-hour before listed tour times. Ranger-guided tours of the island are available Thursday through Monday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
	Boating Visitors can rent powerboats and kayaks from "Robbie's Marina" or a number of other local marinas. Knowledge of the channels is critical because of the surrounding shallow grass flats. Kayaks and canoes can float across most flats offering spectacular chances to see a variety of wildlife from dolphins and manatees to sharks and rays.
	Canoeing Visitors may access the island by boat, canoe or kayak.
	Facilities
	Fishing Anglers can fish for a variety of species from Bonefish on the flats, to Tarpon in the channels. Snapper, Spanish Mackerel and Snook are also found in the area. Caribbean Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab are also found in the waters surrounding the park and can be harvested when in season. A Florida saltwater fishing license, with special stamps for Lobster and Snook, is required. Fishing may be done around the island, but not within 100 feet of the nearest dock. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Guided Tours 1.5-hour guided walks are given at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The tour fee is $1 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Access to the Key for these tours is limited to privately owned boats or charter boats available at nearby marinas. For reservations call (305) 664-9814. Tour boat departs 1/2-hour before listed tour times.
	Snorkeling Some local marinas, as well as "Robbie's Marina," run Eco-tours that involve brief stops at the island and snorkeling in the area around the island and out on the reef. Remember, all snorkeling requires a "Diver Down" flag. All snorkeling must be conducted 100 feet from the nearest dock.
	Visitors Center The Matheson House, built in 1919, serves as the park's Visitor Center and offers a glimpse of how island people lived during a 'simpler' time when most of their needs were met by the land and sea around them.
	Wildlife Viewing A variety of shore, wading and migratory birds may be viewed on the island.

Special Events for Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Ranger Programs

RANGER-GUIDED TOUR
Year-round, 10 AM & 2 PM
Thursday through Monday
$1/person, free admission for children under six. Ranger-guided tours of the park. Tour boat service available. Tour boat departs one-half hour before listed tour time.
Call (305) 664-2540 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Question: Do I need insect repellent?
Answer: May-November, yes. It is advisable to cover as much skin as possible and to wear light colored clothing that isn’t as likely to attract mosquitoes.

Question: Are park rangers available for special tours in addition to regularly scheduled tours?
Answer: Yes. Please contact Windley Key to schedule a group tour - (305) 664-2540.

Question: Is the island accessible to those with wheelchairs, walkers, etc.?
Answer: Yes, but tidal fluctuations can make it difficult to get out of the boat. Ranger-guided tours can provide a golf cart to traverse the trail system.

Question: How do I get to the island if I do not have my own boat/kayak?
Answer: Robbies Marina will provide transportation to and from the island. Please call (305) 664-9814 for reservations. Tour boat departs one-half hour before listed tour time.

Question: Where do I land or dock at the island?
Answer: Kayakers have a docking beach next to the service dock. All private boats dock at the main docks with the American flag. Larger vessels can use the mooring buoys on the north side of the island.

Question: What is the water depth at the main dock?
Answer: The water depth is approximately 4½ feet.

Question: Can I dock my boat overnight?
Answer: No, the park closes at 5:00 pm and anyone one the island or dock will be considered trespassing. Camping on the island is prohibited.

Question: Is there anything on the island that is of interest other than the tropical hardwood hammock?
Answer: Yes. The Matheson House, built in 1919, serves as the site’s Visitor Center and is open to the public for viewing.

Question: Can I walk the trails without a park ranger present?
Answer: No, access to the trail is restricted to ranger-guided walks.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park History

Thousands of years ago, the island began as a living coral reef jutting up from the sea floor. As great quantities of water began to freeze into glaciers at the earth’s poles, the sea level dropped, exposing the top of the reef and forming an island composed of fossilized coral rock.

As time passed, storm tides and waves left seaweed, driftwood and other organic debris stranded on the bare rock. This material began decaying, forming small pockets of soil in depressions in the coral rock. Then came a few seeds from other tropical islands Ð some floating on the sea or carried by the winds, while others came in the digestive tracts of migrating birds. Here, the seeds sprouted and began to grow, drop leaves, produce flowers and seeds, mature, die and decay. With the passing of each generation, a complex and diverse tropical hammock colonized the remains of this ancient coral reef.