October 26, 2026 · Road Runner Travel Resort
A Nature Day Beyond the Beach
A Fort Pierce vacation can include more than time by the ocean. If you'd like a day among trees, with room to walk and learn about local habitats, consider Oxbow Eco-Center and Preserve in Port St. Lucie. For guests at Road Runner Travel Resort, it offers a different kind of outing to work into a longer Treasure Coast stay.
Plan the visit around your group's interests rather than a mileage target. A short walk and a look at the exhibits may suit one group; another may prefer to spend its time outdoors. Leave room to change the plan if the weather or trail conditions call for it.
Where to Go and What to Expect
St. Lucie County describes Oxbow as a 225-acre preserve and environmental learning center along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The address is 5400 NE St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie. Use that destination in your navigation, rather than the county administration address shown in the website footer.
The setting includes pedestrian trails, boardwalks, and riverfront habitats, with interactive exhibits inside the Eco-Center. Admission is listed as free. The county notes limited parking near the center, so RV travelers should call 772-785-5833 about vehicle access before bringing a large rig. If you have a separate passenger vehicle, consider leaving your RV settled at Road Runner for the outing.
Trail Access and Indoor Hours Are Different
The county's visitor information lists preserve trails open from sunrise to sunset, while the Eco-Center follows a separate daytime schedule. Do not assume that an open trail means the exhibit hall is open, too.
Check the current schedule and any closure notices before setting out, especially if the indoor exhibits are the main reason for your trip. For an outdoor-first visit, choose a departure time that leaves plenty of daylight for the walk and your return. If you'd like to join a program, confirm its date, registration requirements, and any separate fee directly with the center.
Choose a Walk That Fits Your Group
Start with the posted map and current conditions. Pick a route everyone is comfortable with, agree on a turnaround point, and resist the temptation to add another loop just because it's there. Walking slowly gives you more time to notice changes in the trees, listen for birds, and enjoy the setting.
Oxbow's trails are for hiking rather than bicycles or motorized recreation. The county welcomes wheelchairs and strollers and advises asking staff about its all-terrain wheelchair. Contact the center about the particular route and assistance you need; a welcoming policy does not mean every trail surface will suit every visitor.
Bring water, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent. Check the forecast before leaving and be willing to shorten the outing. Keep a rainy-day Fort Pierce option in reserve instead of forcing an outdoor plan when conditions are poor.
Leave the Preserve as You Found It
The county asks visitors to stay on established trails, leave plants and other natural materials in place, and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife. Dogs must be leashed and under control, and owners must pick up pet waste. If you're bringing a dog, plan for its water and comfort as carefully as your own.
Wildlife sightings are a possibility, not a promise. Binoculars or a camera can make a quiet stop enjoyable without getting closer to an animal. For another outing during your stay, our Indrio Savannahs birdwatching guide offers a separate local option.
Keep the Rest of the Day Easy
There is no need to fill every afternoon after a morning outside. Return to Road Runner, take a break, and explore the resort's facilities and amenities at your own pace. Ask the office about current activities and arrangements during your stay.
Still choosing your home base? Our RV site planning guide helps you think through your setup. Traveling without an RV? Read about planning a cabin stay at Road Runner. Either way, leave a little space in your itinerary for a slower day outdoors.
Sources: St. Lucie County's Oxbow overview and visitor information, linked above. Check current hours, access, programs, and trail conditions with the center before traveling.
