Anne Kolb Nature Center

The Broward County exhibit-hall page currently lists nature centers and their exhibit halls open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tower, trail, gate, event, and paddling access can close separately for weather, maintenance, or programming, so call 954-357-5161 before a time-sensitive visit.

Use 751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, FL 33019. The entrance is on the north side of Sheridan Street east of Federal Highway. Navigate to the nature center, not a generic West Lake shoreline point, because most of the preserve is mangrove wetland without road access.

Use the on-site visitor parking reached from the Sheridan Street entrance. Park once for the exhibit hall, tower, and nearby short trails; the separate West Lake Park marina and South Trail approaches should not be assumed to use the same lot.

The current Broward County exhibit-hall page says there is no admission fee to the nature centers or exhibit halls. Programs, rentals, meeting spaces, events, and any posted weekend or holiday gate fee can cost separately; confirm before a rental-dependent visit.

Restrooms and visitor services are available at the developed nature-center complex during building hours. Use them before heading onto the tower, fishing-pier route, or longer outdoor paths because facilities are not distributed throughout the mangrove preserve.

The developed visitor complex includes indoor exhibits and a five-level observation tower, but elevator operation, trail surfaces, docks, and weather exposure can affect access. Contact the center at 954-357-5161 before travel for a specific mobility, sensory, or program accommodation.

Do not plan on bringing a pet into this wildlife-focused mangrove preserve. Service-animal access and a specific accommodation should be confirmed with Broward County Parks before visiting indoor exhibits, narrow boardwalks, or wildlife-sensitive areas.

The free exhibit hall has interactive mangrove displays, a hands-on Eco-Room, and a short theater video. Families can add the observation tower and a short trail, but should bring water, insect repellent, sun protection, and close supervision around stairs, railings, docks, fishing areas, and tidal water.

The visitor complex connects to short nature routes and fishing access through a mangrove environment, while the broader preserve also includes longer gravel and paddling routes. Surfaces can be wet, exposed, or uneven; get the current trail map at the visitor center and ask which routes are open.

The signature landmarks are the five-level, 68-foot observation tower, the exhibit hall and Eco-Room, the mangrove boardwalks and nature trails, the Intracoastal fishing pier, the outdoor amphitheater, and views across the 1,501-acre wetland.

The West Lake and Anne Kolb complex includes designated non-motorized paddling routes through mangrove wetland. Rental availability, launch location, route conditions, and last-return times can change, so confirm with the center or marina before bringing or renting a boat.

Yes. Broward County Transit identifies Anne Kolb Nature Center as a destination. Plan the current route to 751 Sheridan Street and check the last return trip before entering a trail or program because published route numbers can change.

The tower, boardwalks, fishing areas, and trails are exposed to South Florida heat, lightning, heavy rain, mosquitoes, and slick surfaces. Leave the tower and water at the first sign of thunder, carry drinking water, and check the forecast before choosing a long outdoor route.

The protected mangrove wetland supports native and migratory birds plus aquatic wildlife. Observe quietly from developed routes, never feed or approach animals, keep hands away from water and mangrove edges, and use insect protection without disturbing habitat.

Start in the exhibit hall for the current map and closure status, then choose one destination rather than assuming the 1,501-acre preserve is a single walkable loop. Confirm tower elevator and paddling availability, use restrooms first, and carry water, sun and insect protection, and a lightning exit plan.