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Manager's Message
As the busy winter season in the Florida Keys approaches, the staff would like
to welcome everyone to the annual Lignumvitae Christmas on December 2nd & 3rd.
Winter usually marks the start of the drier, cooler months of the year and
therefore less mosquitoes! Fortunately this year we were not plagued by
hurricanes and our island looks great! The remarkable weather of the season
makes this an excellent time to visit our park and celebrate our annual event
with us.
The historic 1919 Matheson House will be decorated in an early 1900s ambiance of
the Keys. Handcrafted art, utilizing native flora, will be on display for the
publics’ viewing pleasure. Visitors can see how caretakers of the past would
have adorned the walls of their island abode.
While guests view the house, they will able to sample homemade cookies, cakes
and refreshments. Visitors will then be invited on interpretive tours of the
surrounding property and hardwood hammock and encouraged to participate in
making Christmas ornaments in our craft room.
Visitors will meet at “Robbie’s Marina,” located at M.M. 77.5 bayside. Tour
boats will begin shuttling passengers to the island at 9:00am and stop at
3:30pm. Anyone wishing to join us can call (305) 664-2540 with any questions.
- 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,
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, 8:00 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.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
P.O. Box 1052
Islamorada, Florida 33036
Phone: 305-664-2540
Fax: Contact Park for Number
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