Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Islamorada

I had a great time visiting this park via kayak. I had a day off from work so I thought I would explore a part of the Keys I’d never been. The other reviews aren’t great, but you can have a really nice time if you plan ahead a bit. First, call the number on the Park’s web site to get the latest information. Leave a message if they don’t pick up. They will call you back. When you talk to a ranger, see if they will give you the number for the on-island ranger. That way, you can call directly to the island before you head out to set up your tour and also as an extra safety. I did this and had a one-on-one guided tour of the house and trail. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent, long sleeved clothes, and a mosquito net/hood. The kayaking was not too hard, but is two miles each way and you should be in decent shape. There’s a dock on the north side of the island you can use.

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 currently unavailable. However, there is a self-guided tour brochure that visitors can use to learn about the home and other features that dot the lawn. Lignumvitae Key is accessible by boat or kayak only. Boat and kayak rentals are available through local vendors.