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Until Spanish colonization in the 16th century, Pine Island was controlled by the Calusa, their capital being a few miles to the southeast at Mound Key. The Calusa had a settlement near Pineland on the west coast of the island where they constructed shell mounds and a canal. The trail passes these mounds and displays plaques detailing the pre-Columbian history of Pine Island.
The Pineland Archeological District is a U.S. historic district located on Pine Island, near Pineland, Florida, and next to Pine Island Sound. The site was occupied by people of the Caloosahatchee culture, known as the Calusa in historic times, from 500 BCE until after 1700. The site includes shell and sand mounds and other structures and prehistoric canals and artificial lakes. It also includes structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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A 1 mi trail great for spotting gopher tortoises. Ecosystems across the preserve vary from scrubland at the park entrance to pine flatwoods and mangroves farther north. Pets aren't allowed due to sensitive wildlife.
Details the history of the island including the Calusa period (corresponding roughly to the Middle Ages) and the modern era of American settlement from the 19th century to the present.
Open to recreational boaters on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
This 900-acre park protects Florida's native pine flatwoods biome, necessitating regular, controlled burns. Designated trails and fire lines make up 7.5 mi of trails total that can be hiked across the flatwoods ecosystem.
Kayak and canoe launch.
A 260-acre forest preserve with several hiking trails.