General Public Visitors
The general public is welcome to visit Archbold and discover this national treasure. Whether you love nature, conservation, science, history or living green, visiting Archbold is a great way to learn, relax, and enjoy a unique atmosphere.
We offer several options for exploring Archbold starting with the Frances Archbold Hufty Learning Center. Sign in by completing the Release of Liability form at the Welcome Office. Pick up a brochure or nature trail guidebook and begin your adventure.
- Interpretive signs guide visitors through the "green" building explaining its unique design and resource-saving features
- Educational displays feature a Florida Black Bear and scrub habitat.
- Paths through the landscaping reveal benefits of using native grasses and plants.
- Walking and hiking trails include the Walk Through Time History Trail, Discovery Loop Nature Trail, and Explorer's Loop Nature Trail. And for a long-distance view of the scrub, stand atop the Scrub Lookout (most beautiful at sunset).
At the Richard Archbold Research Center, sign in at the Main Office (south end of the building) Monday though Friday, 8am-5pm.
"Islands in Time" is a 19-minute video about the conservation of the Lake Wales Ridge, and is available for viewing in the Research Center Lounge adjacent to the Main Office, M-F, 8am-4pm.
Picnic tables are adjacent to the parking plaza. Pets are not permitted on Station property.
Guided group tours (min. 10 people) are available by appointment. Contact the Education Coordinator at education@archbold-station.org or (863)465-2571 x233.
- Private NATURE TOUR – 2 hours/ $100, up to 25 people Explore Archbold’s Learning Center and Nature Trail with Education Coordinator. Visitors will have the chance to pet a live snake, learn about Archbold’s history of research, conservation, and education, and hike through one of America’s rarest and most endangered habitats, the Florida scrub. Visitors will learn about the plants and animals of the scrub, the role of fire, and the history of the Lake Wales Ridge. Visitors also may get a chance to see Florida’s only endemic bird species, the federally-threatened Florida Scrub-Jay.
- GREEN BUILDING, LANDSCAPING, AND ART TOUR – 1 ½ / $100, up to 25 people In 2012, Archbold opened the doors to its environmentally friendly Learning Center and Lodge facilities. Join the Education Coordinator for a guided tour and learn how Archbold became the 12th commercial site in Florida to achieve LEED Platinum building certification. Visitors will hear about the site’s smart design features, water conservation practices, and native plant landscaping. Visitors will also learn about Archbold’s work with local artists to create displays, exhibits, and art lessons that educate and promote nature conservation.
Gifts for purchase include t-shirts, books, DVD's, and other items which are located in the Research Center Main office, M-F, 8am-4pm or by emailing your order to the Station's Receptionist.
The Learning Center is wheelchair accessible.
Meeting and lodging accommodations are available for researchers, college classes, conservation groups, and for other mission-related organizations. Please submit a completed Visitor Application to the Station’s Receptionist.
The Station has an outstanding scientific Library emphasizing ecology and the natural history of Florida. It is not a lending library. The library catalog is online.
The main gate to the Station is shut between the hours of 8pm and 6am. Residents and overnight visitors will be given an access code to activate the gate.
MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (BIR)
Researcher and college classes by appointment. Please contact the Ranch office.
Ranch Eco-Tour, more information here
The Archbold Reserve
Visits to the Archbold Reserve are arranged by the Executive Director’s Office.