Established in 1970, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a part of the Southwest Florida community for over 50 years! Our mission, inspiring people to connect with nature, is accomplished by educating guests of all ages about our unique ecosystem and environmental issues concerning our area. We strive to provide holistic environmental education programs encompassing all areas including astronomy, ecology, zoology, and more. Our 105-acre property is home to rescue animals, a butterfly garden, raptor aviary, two nature trails, our area's only public large-dome planetarium theater, and much more!
Welcome to the Calusa Nature Center!
General Information
Hours of Operation
Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm
Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Monday CLOSED
Admission
Non-Members
Adults - $10
Children 3-12 - $5
Under 3 - FREE
Discounts for Seniors, Students, Military, First Responders and AAA
Pet Policy
We are not a pet-friendly facility. Only task-trained service dogs are allowed at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.
3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33905
We are located at the intersection of Colonial Blvd and Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers.
About the Nature Center
Home to non-releasable native, non-native, and invasive species, as well as rescues from the pet trade, many different animals call the nature center home.
We also have our heritage room which displays cool fossils, as well as artifacts from the Calusa natives!
Come check us out and learn all about our resident animals!
Trails
We have two open trails that go throughout our 105 acre property. DURING THE SPRING/SUMMER TRAILS MAY BE WET OR FLOODED - COME PREPARED.
Wildlands Trail
Goes around the property -
~1.3 miles long -
Takes 30-60 min on average -
Hike through: -
Pine flatwoods
A canal berm
Part of a cypress dome
This trail may be tough for those not accustomed to trails in Florida. The path at times is narrow, not maintained, and may have tall grasses and other overgrown plants
Pine Loop
- Goes through part of the property
- ~.3 miles long
- Takes ~15 min on average
- Hike through:
Pine flatwoods
Part of a cypress dome
A great trail for those who may just want a quick stroll through the woods. This trail is frequently maintained and has a shell path throughout its entirety. While ADA accessible, there are roots periodically on the trail, so care should be taken.
Download this map and guide to your phone before your visit!
Use the numbered markers along the Pine Loop Trail to learn about the nature of Southwest Florida.
Cypress Boardwalk Trail - CLOSED due to hurricane damage.
Butterfly Garden/Aviary
Our butterfly aviary houses many different species of native Florida butterflies. Come observe these beautiful creatures in all stages of their life cycle from caterpillar, to chrysalis, to adult!
Raptor Aviary
Our raptor aviary is home to injured birds of prey. We currently have three Eagles (Erika, Slade, Jeepers), two Black Vultures (Huey and Dewey), a Red-Shouldered Hawk (Penny), and a Barred Owl (Leonard). All birds were rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed non-releasable due to their injuries.
Completed in January 2019, this injured raptor sanctuary was a labor of love from the entire community, as funds were raised over several years to complete the aviary's rebuild.
Rescue Animals
All of our residents are either rehabilitated injured wildlife, bred for the pet trade, or are pet surrenders and can not be released into the wild. An assortment of native and exotic species are here to teach you about Southwest Florida's unique ecology. CNCP, however, is NOT a rehab facility.
If you have found an injured wild animal,
please contact CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
at (239) 472-3644 for assistance