Anne Kolb Nature Center is a 1,501-acre coastal mangrove preserve and environmental education complex located at 751 Sheridan Street in Hollywood, Florida. Opened on February 10, 1996, and named after former Broward County Commissioner Anne Kolb—who spearheaded the effort to save this estuarine wetland from commercial development—the facility forms the ecological centerpiece of West Lake Park along the Intracoastal Waterway. Managed by Broward County Parks and Recreation, the center draws kayakers, birdwatchers, and families with its 68-foot observation tower, shaded boardwalk trails through red, black, and white mangroves, and an indoor Exhibit Hall housing a 3,500-gallon saltwater aquarium.
What to Expect at Anne Kolb Nature Center
Visitors arriving at the main complex on the north side of Sheridan Street begin along elevated wooden boardwalks that cut directly through dense mangrove canopies and tidal flats. Rising five stories above the treetops, the 68-foot concrete and timber Observation Tower features both stairs and an elevator, rewarding climbers with 360-degree views stretching across West Lake, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Hollywood Beach skyline, and the Atlantic Ocean. Beneath the boardwalks, fiddler crabs scurry across the mudflats during low tide, while roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, ospreys, and green herons hunt along the brackish channels. Inside the Exhibit Hall, guests can watch native snook, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead swim around simulated prop roots inside the 3,500-gallon estuarine aquarium, view environmental documentaries in the 120-seat theater, or inspect rotating art and wildlife photography displays.
Beyond the main courtyard and waterfront Mangrove Hall, five distinct walking and multi-use trails fan out into the surrounding wetlands. The Mud Flat Trail and Lake Observation Trail provide level, boardwalk-accessible routes ideal for spotting juvenile tarpon and wading birds, while the South Trail and Fishing Pier Trail lead directly to the Intracoastal Waterway, where anglers cast for catch-and-release estuarine species and boaters cruise past. Across Sheridan Street inside the main West Lake Park recreation area, paddlers launch canoes and kayaks onto miles of color-coded paddling trails that wind through narrow mangrove tunnels and across open stretches of West Lake.
- 68-Foot Observation Tower: Five-story viewing structure equipped with an elevator and stairwell, delivering panoramic views of West Lake, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Exhibit Hall & 3,500-Gallon Aquarium: Indoor interpretive center featuring a floor-to-ceiling saltwater mangrove tank stocked with local marine life, interactive ecological displays, and a screening auditorium.
- Elevated Mangrove Boardwalk Trails: Four pedestrian trails—including the Mud Flat Trail, Lake Observation Trail, South Trail, and Fishing Pier Trail—plus the paved 0.9-mile multi-use Seavoie Path.
- West Lake Paddling Trails: Marked canoe and kayak routes through 1,500 acres of protected coastal wetlands, accessible via the boat ramp and rental marina across Sheridan Street.
- Intracoastal Fishing Pier & Eco-Boat Tours: Waterfront observation and catch-and-release fishing deck along the Intracoastal Waterway, complemented by seasonal naturalist-led excursions on the county’s 25-passenger eco-boat.
Anne Kolb Nature Center at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 751 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33019 |
| Neighborhood / Area | East Hollywood / West Lake Park (Intracoastal Waterway) |
| Operating Hours | Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Exhibit Hall typically open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) |
| Admission / Price Range | Free park entry; Exhibit Hall $2 adults (free for children under 6); $ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site parking lot; Broward County Transit (BCT) Route 12 on Sheridan St |
| Official Website & Phone | broward.org/Parks | +1 954-357-5161 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Plan to arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to experience cooler coastal breezes, active bird feeding along the mudflats, and calmer waters for kayaking before afternoon sea breezes pick up. Checking the local tide chart before your visit enhances wildlife spotting: low tide exposes the mudflats for thousands of fiddler crabs and foraging ibises, whereas high tide brings larger fish and occasional West Indian manatees into the deeper lagoon channels. Bring polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent, as mosquitoes and sandflies (no-see-ums) are active under the shaded mangrove canopy, particularly after summer rainstorms. Note that pets are strictly prohibited inside Anne Kolb Nature Center to protect native wildlife.
Drivers can reach the center easily via Interstate 95 (Exit 21 for Sheridan Street East) and follow Sheridan Street approximately 2.5 miles east toward the beach; free surface parking is available directly outside the entrance plaza. Public transit riders can take Broward County Transit Route 12, which stops along Sheridan Street at the park entrance. The complex is thoroughly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, featuring step-free wooden boardwalks with safety curbing, ADA-compliant restrooms, paved parking spaces, and elevator service to the top of the 68-foot observation tower. After exploring the trails, head half a mile east across the Sheridan Street Bridge to North Beach Park and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, or drive five minutes north to Dania Beach Pier and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park for beachfront dining and ocean swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Anne Kolb Nature Center?
Anne Kolb Nature Center grounds and trails are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while the indoor Exhibit Hall operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The winter dry season from November through April offers the mildest temperatures, lowest humidity, and peak migratory bird activity, while early mornings year-round provide the best lighting for photography from the observation tower.
How much does it cost to visit Anne Kolb Nature Center?
Admission to the Anne Kolb Nature Center parking lot, boardwalk trails, fishing pier, and 68-foot observation tower is completely free seven days a week. Entry to the indoor Exhibit Hall and 3,500-gallon aquarium costs $2 per person for ages 6 and older (free for children 5 and under), while weekend gate fees ($1.50 to $3 per person) apply only if you enter the active recreation and kayak launch side of West Lake Park south of Sheridan Street.
How much time should I budget for a visit?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours walking the boardwalk trails, riding or climbing up the observation tower, and viewing the aquarium inside the Exhibit Hall. If you plan to rent a kayak or canoe across Sheridan Street to paddle the mangrove trails in West Lake, budget 3 to 4 hours total.
Is Anne Kolb Nature Center wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, the nature center is highly accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers. The elevated boardwalk trails and paved multi-use paths are flat and barrier-free, the Exhibit Hall and restrooms are fully ADA-compliant, and the 68-foot observation tower features a passenger elevator to the upper viewing deck.
When planning a wider itinerary across Pembroke Pines, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Carpenter House at Hollywood North Beach Park (0.7 km away).
