You know all about the parks, museums and wildlife preserves in Naples, Florida and its surrounding areas (you’re welcome) but if you happened to swing by Fort Myers we know of a nice museum, picnic park and wildlife preserve rolled into one with a bonus planetarium. Folks, we present to you The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. This place is run by a private non-profit organization which seeks to educate people and, especially the kids, about the importance of our natural environment. The center is huge with its total land scope of 105 acres.
All in all the center has a museum, three nature trails, the planetarium, a butterfly sanctuary, an aviary, pavilions, gathering areas for picnic and a souvenir shop. While walking around the museum, guests can find out about Southwest Florida’s unique natural history. Every day, the center’s educational programs let guests take a very close look at some of the resident animals, including raccoon, skunk, turtles, fox, winds, an aviary which gives a home to injured birds of prey such as vultures, hawks, bald eagles, owls and pretty much whatever birds that lands on their shelter, with the sky as the limit.
Different reptiles, animals that can live on both land and water and arthropods are also excited to see humans like you, assuming all our readers are human. The Museum’s interpretive presentations address many issues influencing the local region, from water resources to the plight of the imperiled manatee. The displays on the local Calusa culture and the fossil science of Southwest Florida share the same space with live infant alligators and tiny owls.
The stars are constantly out in the planetarium, the only available planetarium that’s open to the public on the south of Bradenton and west of Miami! Check the Planetarium for galactic happenings and other exceptional events. The gift shop has a wide assortment of products related to the local natural history that’s suited for all ages, from toys through books and antique Audubon prints to adornments, tee shirts, inflatable planet models and a la mode handcrafted bear packs. They all look so awesome and you should check them out.
Aside from being a museum and a picnic park, the center also can cater to business organizations who wish to hold meetings and conventions. The center can also host weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. You can go directly to their website to plan out events and make reservations.
You can find the nature park at 3450 Ortiz Avenue on the corner of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers. Or get more information by calling 239-275-3435. Tickets to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12.
If you want to know more about Naples, Florida and beyond, check out divinenaples.com and see the beauty of the region of southwest Florida has to offer to one and all. Go to out Tourist Guide Section for great suggestions on places you can visit.
