Anne Kolb Nature Center

This place was AWESOME! The observation tower had breathtaking views. There were plenty of trails to explore and see wildlife up close and personal. The staff were so friendly and helpful. We will definitely be going back to kayak the mangroves.

This place is beautiful! There's so much nature around you. And the building is decorated in a way that makes you want to learn. They have gorgeous displays that your kids would love. But I was there for a wedding and the room they gave us to get ready in was HORRID! thank God we had portable fans. It had to be 90° inside that room. Imagine getting made up and SWEATING! AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT HAVING TO PUT ON A BEAUTIFUL DRESS SWEATING! The room was clean but way to small. And the actual bathroom didn't have ac either. Not only was it SUPER hot, it smelled like the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in DECADES! THE HEAT AMPLIFIED IT! It smelled sooooo bad! Kinda like old garbage and raw fish! I don't know which was worse, the intense heat or the intense smell. All in all everything was really clean and pretty but they REALLY need to do something about the bathroom and bride room.

A local treasure from back when the government cared about the environment. Super quiet, family friendly, and informative. Both the tower and the boardwalk are worth visiting. I've never seen so many tree crabs - not that I knew the crabs existed before this visit. Free/open admission, and the little gift shop is also a great value.

We had a wonderful visit to this nature center! The trails were peaceful and well-maintained, and we enjoyed spotting all kinds of birds and wildlife along the way. The center itself is clean, welcoming, and educational in a fun and engaging way — great for all ages. It’s the perfect spot to connect with nature, learn something new, and enjoy the outdoors. Highly recommend for a relaxing and enriching experience!

A wonderful spot with breathtaking views! The visitor center is very well-designed, especially for families with children. It offers interactive exhibits and educational displays that make learning about local wildlife and ecosystems fun and engaging

One of my favorite park to visit. It is a beautiful quiet gem. There's three trails and an observation tower. They have a great exhibition center also. It's great place for the whole family. People come to kayak or canoe as well. I usually just go on the trails and the tower. You will be able to see the mangroves walking through the trails. It's free to enter any day. I just love it there.

Beautiful scenery and calm views, best views from the 3 story tower which can be taken via elevator or the stairs. Scenic walk through the boardwalks.

When you’re looking for a break from the beach and want to check out some of Florida’s natural beauty, this is a great place to go. There is a beautiful visitor center with lots of exhibits on local wildlife and a bit of history on the area. There is also an observation tower where you can look out across the area and see the skyline of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, as well as well some nice boardwalks that take you through the mangroves out to shaded pavilions on the water. We did not see any manatees when we were here, but we enjoyed hiking and the peacefulness of the surroundings. It’s amazing that such a large, wild and natural area remains in this thoroughly developed part of the state. The fact that it was totally free to visit made it even better!

This is one of our favorite parks to get outside & enjoy a nature walk. The trails are well kept and the animal are sure to be out! There's plenty of parking too!

An awesome Nature center for sure! The exhibit portion is what really surprised me. I didn't expect it to be so extensive with their displays, from mock ups to actual real aquariums. The other thing that struck me about the exhibit portion is they have a live manatee. The guy is just walking around talking to people, it's crazy!!!!! Ok, that is not true. The trail network, though short is really nice and leads to some great views!

Absolutely a free educational nature adventure including an observation deck overlooking the entire preserve and waterway where boats were seen coasting by. We walked down some fishing trails where some lucky kids caught a few fish. For any of you dog lovers, sadly pets are strictly prohibited in the park. The nature center is inside a wooden hut nestled amongst mangroves with a long wooden bridge to access only by foot. A host greets you upon entry and then you browse all the eco-friendly visual and sound exhibits, which are too many to name. It was organized well for easy navigation. Gender assigned bathrooms and a gift shop inside. Great time while learning a few new things about our fragile eco-system.

During a thunderstorm we decided to seek refuge in the nature park. I am so interested in the Florida sea life and the coral rock eco system that I grew up learning about. The center was clean and the turtles and hermit crabs were my favorite exhibits. A few other customers were looking around too. Very interesting educational experience for FREE.

Beautiful nature center and clubhouse for the best parties. We enjoyed it very much and had the best party here to welcome convention delegates. Lovely.

Anne Kolb Nature Center is one the most well kept, Nature Center I've been too in Broward County. It is opened to the public everyday of the week to enjoy however the guest service office are closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as the Marina. Totally recommend visiting Anne Kolb Nature Center for a fun filled day.

Really well maintained and educational center. I really geeked out at the collection of insects and skulls at the Exhibition Hall. They had a great couple of trails and we only went on two of the four that were pretty shaded but I know it probably has tons of mosquitoes during the other seasons so bring spray. Observation tower was really cool to check out. Highly recommend bringing cash if you want to buy any gift shop items! They're cash only.

Neat place, nice education center to learn about mangroves, local fauna and flora. Walking is easy BUT be aware being water and a hat ..that sun can be brutal! There is an elevator (as well as 4 flights of stairs) going up to the observation tower.

A relaxing, quiet nature center. There are exhibits at a main building right off the parking lot. Inside includes a small gift shop with hand stenciled shirts, these ingenious little reusable shopping bags that fold up into colorful fish and a few other things. There is a spot where you can press little buttons and hear different bird calls of native avian friends found in the area. You can find a few brackish water aquariums, with fish specimens that have come right from the waters of the park. We had the pleasure of observing an employee feed the fish freshly diced shrimp meat! There are wooden walkways through the mangrove waters and paths, it is partially shaded and partially direct sunlight with a few areas you can observe over larger waterways. There is a multi level observation tower that has a staircase and an elevator to get up the third or fourth story. All along the front of the property there are paved walkways that you can take a stroll or ride a bike and take in the sights. A nice quiet place to come and relax and unwind from the hectic inter-coastal beach areas across the way.

Very cool park to check out. A good place to go fishing, biking, hiking, and bird watching. They have a large parking lot, several buildings with a tall look out tower. The exhibit hall has lots of things to look at associated with the area.

Anne Kolb Nature Center brought me right back to my hometown in South Florida. Thanks for sharing your review Kim. What happy memories of walking with my boyfriend on the boardwalk nature path. I definitely recommend comfortable clothing and shoes plus lots of sunscreen and bug repellent! Now that I've been living in Manhattan I don't know how I handled the heat and humidity. It's been like Florida here the past couple years. I'm not a fan of global warming! I'm recommending you visit and enjoy exploring while you're young. When you get older there's a chance your heart won't be able to take the climate unless you go to Anne Kolb in winter.

An amazing banquet hall. Best wedding on budget less than 10k. Full day inside and outside chairs tables all included.

Beautiful park with trails that aren't super long either so it's nice for anyone that is trying to get into exploring the outdoors for the first time. They have a beautiful little museum readily available to visit with the purchase of a ticket and next to it is a lovely watch tower that gives you a gorgeous view of the surrounding area.

This is a nice nature center by the beach. They have a tower and you can see the ocean and everything around you. It's beautiful. Restrooms are inside so that's great because the air conditioning felt amazing there is also a water fountain. Plenty of parking and walking to do. You can also bring your own kayak if you want. The center was closed this time it's going through renovation but bathrooms are open.

Can say enough nice things about this lovely little nature center! The park is located off of Sheridan Street right before the inter coastal. There is ample parking, hiking and walking trails, fishing, a nature center, and an excellent lookout tower! The grounds are very well maintained and clean. The best part of the park is that it's free! No entrance fee, or parking fee! We have visited this park all times of the day, throughout every season and there has never been a time when it was overly crowded or impossible to park. During the winter they close earlier since the sunsets earlier so we look forward to daylight savings when the park remains open until 7:30. If we're looking for a longer hike we prefer to take The South Trail with its many twists and turns! On the last Saturday of every month there is a guiding trail stroll if you prefer to go with a group. If you're looking to get outdoors without spending a penny and avoiding crowds, this is the place for you! With excellent walking trails, beautiful waterways, and lovely small events, this park has something for every nature lover. Check it out for yourself!

Free nature center with a lot of nice walking trails and scenery. Boat docks and fishing spots with beautiful scenery and foliage.

This is a haven in the midst of the city. Entering it is like entering a peaceful forest far removed from the city. And then, there is the tower, a magnificent experience that everyone should explore. Bring the family and enjoy a walk in nature. I love this place.

This 1501 acre park opened in 1996; filled with mangroves on the coast. There is a picnic area, observation tower, trail, fishing, amphitheatre, and walking path. The most notable to me was the boardwalk; I'm a fan of boardwalks especially with lovely views of the water. The day we went, it was super hot, humid, and the mosquitoes were out in full force. There are meeting rooms and can be rented for events/weddings. This is also a stop for the Water Taxi. Overall, if you love nature, I recommend checking this place out; just bring sunscreen and bug spray. Also, stop by Hollywood Beach Broadwalk after.

Beautiful park in the middle of West Lake. Surprised to find a eco park spread out over 1500 aces in the heart of an urban south Florida city. Nice to explore the boardwalks along the mangroves. The interpretive center explains more about the endangered and threatened species that call the nature center home. The short film was interesting. Climb to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view. Elevator is also available for access to all. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards rentals are available as is a fishing pier, bike and hiking trails. Parking and entry to the park are free. Great park to spend a few hours exploring.

What a beautiful, clean, and expansive park. I wish every park offered everything this one has! Lots of walking trails and boardwalks overlooking West Lake, plenty of mangroves and greenery with beautiful birds and peaceful iguanas, picnic areas with adequate trash cans, and kayak and canoe spots (rentals offered). I love the educational focus of the nature center, as it offers tours and events for kids to learn about the living creatures of the park. I had a date here during the pandemic lockdown haha, and it was a great spot given that it's outdoors and has nothing but fresh air, tremendously easy to social distance and offers a lot to see. We walked a trail that was labeled with the organisms that could be spotted at each point, then up the stairs to the top of a viewing tower. The top of the tower gave us a wonderful view of the greenery, boardwalks and lake. It was a relaxing excursion! I returned here post pandemic reopening for kayaking. They have a great push off spot next to a dock so that we were able to get out of the kayaks easily to finish. The kayak and canoe rental spot is right nearby, so you have company with the renters and guides. There are multiple routes to get out onto the lake and to the surrounding waters, so it's fun to choose one and see where it leads. It's not hard to remember how you came so you know how to go back. Being out on the water here was incredibly refreshing. I saw some iguanas slowly climbing trees and turning different colors at each minute. I was sad to have to go back and pack up! I'll have to return to find other wonderful nature spots on the water!

Beautiful spot to walk around and take photos! At the time we went they required you to wear a mask inside and we didn't have any on us so we planned to come back!

The boardwalk is very good and made of the right material but sadly pets are not allowed which seems to make sense. There is plenty of parking. Looking forward to enjoying the park itself when our dog is not with us.

Beautiful location and atmosphere. I can't wait to potentially fish here some day. The nature and the vibes would make it perfection.

Anne Kolb is a very nice park located right near the beach! It has its very own parking lot and a gorgeous pathway that takes you through mangroves over water and over to a nice little gazebo that you can just sit and stare out into the water! There is ample amount on parking and the parking spaces are nice size so any sized car will be able to fit in the spot! They have a couple different things keep you busy and they also have a little docking section to where if you rent canoes you are able to bring them into the water and push off to go explore from there! They also have a little Amphitheatre Outdoors for when a camp or School may come so they can show the group animals. You're able to set up in the little Beach area and go for a swim and they also have an amazing Watchtower that you were able to climb up. Unfortunately that was closed for renovations when we were there so I can't tell you who the view or what it looks like. One of the best things is it also has an elevator so you are able to take the elevator up if you are unable to walk steps because let me say it is high up there!

This is the very first time I give a park less than 5 stars. Why you ask? Let me explain. While the nature center and the boardwalks are beautiful. The actual trail is super confusing. There are no signs to indicate where the loop that is shown in the map as being 2.3 miles. Ended up being over 3 because we kept making the wring turn. None of these wrong turns are shown on the "map" at one point I had to rely on the Pokemon Go app as a map. Yes you read it right, I said Pokemon go. After that we were able to get on the right path. Terrain is a little rough. This trail is strictly for walking, there is no jogging here unless you want a sprained ankle. Overall though, it was an adventure, and great workout. I would definitely come back, now that I know the trail.

My family and I had a great time riding our bikes on the path. We all loved seeing all the wild animals . I would love to see more places like this closer to where I live.

I've passed this park many times over the years but unfortunately never thought to stop and take a look around. We were looking for a little nature adventure close to home and coincidentally Anne Kolb popped up on my Yelp search. We walked around the board walks along the Mudflat Trails and took a few pics of the birds and the trees along the paths. The observation deck at the end a nice covered bench area were you can sit and take in the view. It would probably be a nice spot to have a little picnic but there are no trash cans around and most people might be tempted to just throw the trash in the water so I digress. We didn't get a chance to go up the tower this time but I hear it has a great view. It's on the list on things to do on my next visit. I saw that they also have a 30 min boat ride for $5 where they teach you about the local plant and animal life. It sounded like it would be a lot of fun and is something I may bring my nieces and nephews to do on their next visit. We really enjoyed our time there, always love to learn and are definitely going back since we would like to rent a kayak to explore more!

Great walking or running paths, wooden and pebbled. Enjoy walking through the mangroves and see lots of crabs, birds, and fish. There is a lovely observation tower overlooking the inter coastal and Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. This would be a great place for a wedding or event. They have a nice large room to rent for this. They also have bathrooms, lots of shade, and a wonderful outdoor amphitheater. Good for tourists and natives alike!

Highly recommend for kayaking. Wonderful staff and beautiful scenery. Don't skip this park.

Beautiful, very peaceful and nice. The people that go here are very nice as well. Lots of older couples just enjoying the peace together

The Ann Kolb Nature Center was nice. It has two trails, the Mud Flat and the Lake View trail, both on boardwalks with lookouts. I would not recommend the West Lake south trail, it is supposed to be a 2.3 mile trail, it was poorly marked, desolate, and nothing to see.

Opened in 1996 Anne Kolbe Nature Center bears the name of an environmental activist. In 1970's Anne Kolbe was a journalist and the first woman to sit on the Broward County Commission. She recognized the importance of the environmentally sensitive mangrove tract in Hollywood and she worked along with other environmental groups until it was saved by the creation of West Lake Park where the nature center now sits. Today West Lake Park is the largest mangrove area between Miami and Palm Beach. There is no admission fee to visit the nature center. It is part of the The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail which is a network of 510 of the best sites to view wildlife in Florida. The exhibit hall is the first building you encounter. It houses a 3.500 gallon salt water aquarium and an eco hall that has hands on nature exhibits for children. The hall has rotating nature displays by different photographers and artists. Also located here is the 3,304 square foot Mangrove Hall which can be rented for weddings or other events. Behind the exhibit hall is a 200 seat amphitheater with stage that can also be rented. There are three trails available for walking at the nature center. The 783 foot Fishing Pier Trail leads to two fishing piers on the intracoastal. You can fish or just relax and watch the boats drift by. The Lake Observation Trail is .2 miles long and leads to an observation pavilion (currently closed) that gives a stunning view of West Lake. Mud Flat Trail is .3 miles long that leads to a covered look out pavilion with seating that also gives a view of West lake. After you explore the trails you can climb a 68 foot 5 story observation tower to get a breath taking view of the area. The tower has a wheelchair accessible elevator. There is also a thirty minute $5 environmental boat tour. You must call the park for availability. From the youngest to the oldest member of your family there is something for everyone to enjoy here. It is a credit to the city of Hollywood that such an important environmental treasure was saved from development. Everyone should visit the area that Anne Kolb so loved.

Located along Sheridan St., Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park, is a large acre (more than 1,500) of coastal mangrove wetlands that is home to various plants and animals. The center is open daily from 9am - 5:30pm and there is plenty of parking. The place is very serene and there is no entrance fee. Anne Kolb, whom the nature center is named after, was a journalist and an environmentalist. She was also the first woman elected to the Broward County Commission in 1974. Anne worked with County government and environmental advocacy groups, fighting to protect the endangered lands. She died of cancer in 1981. At the Anne Kolb Nature Center, they offer a variety of activities such as: * Environmental boat tours (30-min. tour on a 35 ft., 12 passenger boat) * Exhibit hall (interactive displays, eco-room, & nature gift shop) * Educational tours & programs * Fishing (From shore & pier on Intracoastal Waterway) * Walking trails (Lake/Mud Flat observation trails) * Five-level observation tower (with an elevator) * Nature hikes ($3 per person) * Wildlife viewing * Friends of Anne Kolb Nature Center Volunteer Group You can visit the Visitor's Center to get general information and make shelter/building reservations. The Mangrove Hall is available for public rental for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Reservations needs to be made up to one year in advance and a park facility permit must be filled out to ensure reservation. It accommodates 160 people. The Amphitheater is an outside facility that is also available for rental. It accommodates 250 people.

Took a relaxing, but hot walk at Anne Kolb nature center. I loved the view and all the pathways to walk. The viewing tower is Ada/kid friendly with a elevator if you need it. They also have some fishing areas and spots for resting. Bathroom also available and clean.

Every time I visit Florida (which is often), I stop by the Anne Kolb Mature Center. The watch tower, bike and walks trails, and edge of the water seating is a great spot to stop and relax. The iguanas are my favorite. I could watch them for hours.

Just love this park. I visit often. Love to watch the sunset from here and go on boat ride. Calmness in Nature

Beautiful park to walk and look out on the tower . This park has a learning center for children and adults . Anne kolb was an environmentalist as well as a journalist and because of her efforts we have this beautiful park available. Come check out this park off of Sheridan street right before the bridge .

Early morning weekend wake me up. Went here with a group of ladies getting our hiking on. We did the south trail and after going down two paths that totally the wrong way we landed on the right one. There were smooth and rocky terrain to walk through. The views are amazing from the peaKs of the intercostal. The trail takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk but less time I if you run. Be careful if yOu run the area is really rocky. My neXt trip will be to do tHe north traill and more bug and animal spotting. Meet at the amphitheater for a snackk and conversation. While here I spotted a small land crab. The hall is nice and tthe bathroom was clean. Will bring the family for a day of exploitation. Just make sure you bring off or another bug spray as the mosquitoes can be vicious. Might be a great outing for those YELPERS wanting to become one with nature.

We noticed this park on the way back from Hollywood beach - so we came for a mini look around. We did not see much of the park, just walked to where you can see the boats coming and going. It definitely is on our list to come back for a proper visit and walk about when it is not so hot. It for sure would be a nice place to come and sit awhile and people/boat watch!

This park offers several boardwalk trails with mangrove views on the east side of town close to the beach. The nature center is currently closed due to Covid. Usually the gallery in the center showcases art from local artists. I spotted wildlife including ibis and many iguanas.

Beautiful nature walks-- raised boardwalks through mangrove swamp and into lake. Climb up the lookout tower for a 360* view into Lauderdale port, lake, mangrove forest/ swamp. Iguanas of various sizes and colors everywhere! A little west and south of Ann Kolb entrance on Sheridan is **West Lake Park**, where we rented kayaks for an epic memory. Kayak through mangrove forest trails in the brackish water to see water birds like herons & ibis , crabs and iguanas. We just missed a manatee sighting. So glad we did this! (...and don't mind the sign about crocodiles...park employees said there used to be a croc in the small freshwater lake but it has been relocated....)

A nice nature center, I am here today for the turtle release program. I recomend bug to bring bug spray for the park. It starts on time at 8 pm. You are directed to an air conditioned room where you sit and watch a power point presentation. It starts with information about different types of turtles and awareness to there environment and lives. Then they bring a few baby turtles for people to watch closer. Then you are given directions to go to another location by the beach where the turtles would be released. The release happens between Green street. and A1A in Hollywood. It is pretty dark here. They had workers with red flashlights helping guide. The lightning is minimal and the path is dark too so that the hatchlings don't get confused. the path to the beach is by the sand and it is in an inclined with long thin grass so be careful walking. They have an area blocked off for us to view then releasing them. They had I think six little turtles to release today. The program helpers also used a red light to help them and us see a little. It's cool that Hollywood offers this program.

Great visit. Lots of beautiful views and we saw some wildlife. A heron, iguana, and small lizard or iguana. Observation tower views were cool!

If you're around Hollywood area and want to take a nice stroll during winter time this is your place!! They have several short trails with mangrove ecosystems all around. Park is very well maintained, trails are clean and secure and very confortable if you're with handicap or kids.

definitely the place to go for a peace of mind in all this choas in the city great for little picnic dates as well really chill

This place is kickass It is a beautiful area for walking jogging bike riding. I got to see many different types of crabs and wildlife, but the best thing was when I got to see an eagle stingray in the water. I suggest it's a great place for yourself or your family to go. You can spend a few hours there easily. The staff there are extremely helpful in helping you identify any animals that you may see along the way.

What a cool park! I would've loved this place as a kid, and definitely enjoyed it as an adult. Really nice boardwalks and an observation tower with a terrific view. The nature center building itself was closed due to COVID-19 but the grounds are fully open for you to wander (including the observation tower). They had a little outdoor stage, a spot to take a boat tour (not sure if it's currently in operation due to COVID-19), and two boardwalk trails. Everything was modern and clean, including the restrooms, and the boardwalk trails were in great shape. We were looking for iguanas but didn't see any (maybe due to the fact it was late afternoon). We did, however, see an absolutely adorable little raccoon and several interesting birds. The mangrove environment was interesting and the views at sunset across the lake were very peaceful. Note the gates close at 6pm so not much time to linger after sunset (not sure you'd want to anyway, given that certain toothed creatures may be lurking ). All in all, a great little hidden gem of a park.

This five star rating is more about supporting nature centers such as this one across South Florida. It's really essential to protect our natural resources. I came here with my son so that he could complete a project in environmental science. There are various walking paths where you can take in the marshes and wetlands and the many creatures who love and breed here. The observatory tower was closed when we cam- bummer. It would have been nice for that to have been noted on the website. Nevertheless, there are plenty of little spots to sit near the water and take in nature. Nice little place to take little kids to frolic a little bit. There were Quite a few tourists taking in a lovely afternoon. Can you spend an hour or so here and not regret it.

This is a nice nature center along the coastline surrounded by metro Ft. Lauderdale. There were several buildings with nature displays as well as info on the area before it was developed. There are boardwalks and hard pack trails that go out to various lakes and swampland around the center. They are a easy level walk to check out the fauna and flora of the area. If you have the energy left from the hot and humid Florida weather (there is an elevator as well), there is a five story tall viewing tower you can go up in. It provides a really pretty view of the entire area. They also have organized nature walks and a boat tour available that we didn't get the chance to try. Next time we are in the area, we will definitely take advantage of those. In the area, check it out.