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A butterfly tree orchid in bloom on a buttonwood tree.

Manager's Message

Fall has arrived but you wouldn’t know it by the temperatures outside! We’ve had a wet fall this year and a past dry summer. Please remember to come prepared to meet our infamous mosquitoes.

Regardless, any time of year has its special kind of beauty. It doesn’t seem possible that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and shortly after that, Christmas! We will be having our annual event, A Lignumvitae Key Christmas, on December 5th and 6th. The Matheson House will be decorated in an early 1900s ambience of the Florida Keys. Visitors will see how caretakers of the past would have adorned the walls of their home during the holidays. There will also be great homemade cookies and holiday goodies to sample, along with some refreshments. Visitors will also be able to make their own ornaments from local seeds and leaves. Meet at Robbie’s Marina at MM 77.5 bayside for transportation. A special event fee will apply and tour boats will begin shuttling passengers to the island at 9:00 a.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m. For further information, please call (305) 664-2540.

- Melba Nezbed, Park Manager

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, Friday through Sunday. 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 through Monday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tours of the historic Matheson House and grounds are available at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

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.