Anne Kolb Nature Center is a coastal environmental education center at 751 Sheridan St, Hollywood, Florida 33019, United States of America, in the West Lake area of eastern Hollywood. Opened in February 1996, it introduces visitors to a landscape of restored mangrove forest, tidal water, and wildlife habitat. Travelers come for boardwalk walks, an observation tower, aquarium exhibits, and opportunities to explore the surrounding estuary rather than a conventional landscaped park.
What to Expect at Anne Kolb Nature Center
The signature structure is the 68-foot observation tower, reached by stairs or elevator. Start here to understand how the mangrove canopy, West Lake, and surrounding waterways fit together, then explore at ground level. Inside, the exhibit hall centers on a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium. This combination makes the visit more varied than a straightforward nature walk: you can alternate between expansive views, close observation along the trails, and indoor interpretation.
The educational focus is the mangrove ecosystem. Broward County describes video, static and interactive displays, aquaria, and hands-on demonstrations in its guided exhibit-hall programming. Outdoors, slow down along the boardwalks: the Florida Birding Trail specifically recommends looking for Yellow-crowned Night Herons among the mangroves and checking Intracoastal viewpoints for shorebirds, gulls, and terns. Binoculars reward patient visitors more than a fast-paced circuit does.
- Observation tower: Take the stairs or elevator for an elevated perspective over the wetland.
- Saltwater aquarium: Make the exhibit hall your indoor introduction to the estuary.
- Lake Observation Trail: Follow a mangrove boardwalk on a roughly 0.7-mile round-trip walk.
- Mudflat Trail: Explore another approximately 0.7-mile route, looking for exposed feeding areas at low tide.
- South Trail: Choose shellrock loops and spurs for a longer outing beyond the shorter boardwalk routes.
Anne Kolb Nature Center at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 751 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33019. |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Lake area, eastern Hollywood; nature-center entrance north of Sheridan Street. |
| Operating Hours | Grounds: daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. during standard time; 8 a.m.–7:30 p.m. during daylight saving time. Exhibit hall: daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Grounds admission is free. The exhibit hall has a separate admission fee; call 954-357-5161 for the current charge. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for the tower, exhibits, and one or two short walks. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site parking, including accessible spaces; accessible restrooms are available. |
| Official Website / Phone | Broward County Parks and Recreation; 954-357-5161. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Aim for a morning arrival and walk first, then visit the exhibit hall after its 9 a.m. opening. Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, and binoculars; the recommended morning approach also avoids building an itinerary around summer afternoon storms. For paddling, distinguish the nature center from the West Lake Park recreation entrance at 1200 Sheridan Street, where the rental marina is located. Call the marina at 954-357-5186 before planning around rental availability.
For wheelchairs and strollers, prioritize boardwalk routes over the shellrock South Trail; the tower has an elevator, but ask about its operation before making the climb central to your visit. Nearby pairings include Hollywood North Beach Park to the east and the West Lake Park recreation area to the west. Based on their mapped locations, estimate roughly 10–15 minutes on foot from the Sheridan Street entrance to either, with additional time from the visitor buildings. Use designated crossings and allow for the bridge when heading beachward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I arrive?
Grounds open daily at 8 a.m.; closing is 6 p.m. during standard time and 7:30 p.m. during daylight saving time. The exhibit hall opens 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Arrive early for an outdoor-first itinerary.
Is admission free, and should I reserve?
Grounds admission is free, while the exhibit hall carries a separate fee. Call for its current price and to arrange guided educational activities; these can have their own charges.
How much time should I budget?
Plan 1.5–2.5 hours. Spend the first portion on a boardwalk, then divide the remainder between the tower and exhibits. Add a separate block of time for paddling rather than squeezing it into the same short visit.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Short boardwalk routes and aquarium exhibits offer a manageable family outing. Wheelchair users have accessible parking and restrooms, plus elevator access to the tower; choose your walking route with its surface in mind.
When planning a wider itinerary across Miramar, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Carpenter House at Hollywood North Beach Park (0.7 km away) and Hollywood Hot Glass (3.8 km away).
