Fort Myers: Calusa Planetarium & Calusa Nature Center
The Calusa Nature Center & Calusa Planetarium are like hidden gems in Fort Myers, Florida. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit.
Celebrated for its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and lively culture, Fort Myers stands out as a premier destination in the Sunshine State. Throughout the year, this charming city attracts visitors with its array of outdoor activities, fresh Gulf seafood, distinctive entertainment, and unforgettable attractions.
Some incredible attractions, however, often fly under the radar and don’t make it onto visitors’ bucket lists. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is one such hidden gem. A visit to this local treasure is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the diverse ecosystem of Fort Myers, meet charming animals that were injured in the wild and now call the center home, and explore the stars and planets in an engaging, interactive way.
Curious about this must-visit spot in Fort Myers? In this blog, we’ll introduce you to its top attractions and highlights that are sure to make you add them to your itinerary next time you’re in town.
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What is the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium?
Blending natural exploration and education, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a hidden gem in Fort Myers, offering an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Established in 1970, this 105-acre center combines a nature preserve—home to rescue animals, a butterfly garden, a raptor aviary, and two nature trails—with Southwest Florida’s only public planetarium, where daily shows cover topics from astronomy to Earth science.
Whether you’re drawn to stargazing, wildlife, or exploring Florida’s unique ecosystems, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium provides a comprehensive, immersive experience that deserves a spot on your Fort Myers bucket list.
History of the Calusa Nature Center & Calusa Planetarium
The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has a rich history, dating back to the early 1960s. It was founded by the Junior Welfare League, a group of local women who aimed to create an educational resource for environmental and scientific studies. Initially starting with traveling exhibits, they gathered community support and eventually established a permanent location.
In 1970, the “Junior Museum and Planetarium of Lee County” was formally incorporated, and a few years later, the City of Fort Myers granted 105 acres of land to develop a more comprehensive nature center and planetarium.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the center expanded with additional facilities, including a dedicated museum building and an alligator exhibit. The planetarium, which opened in 1986, became one of the few in the area, offering astronomy shows that continue to this day.
In the 1990s, the center’s name was changed to Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium to better reflect its mission and growth. Subsequent years saw the addition of a butterfly aviary, a native plant nursery, and various habitat exhibits.
The center has adapted over the years, adding modern features like the MediaGlobe projection system in 2010, which enhanced its planetarium shows, and a 1,000-gallon touch tank for interactive learning about Florida’s estuary ecosystems.
Today, it serves as a comprehensive educational facility dedicated to ecology, astronomy, and local wildlife, aiming to connect people with nature and inspire conservation efforts.
Highlights and Top Attractions of Calusa Planetarium and Calusa Nature Center
Animal Exhibits
For wildlife enthusiasts, the highlight of Calusa Nature Center is the animal exhibits where you can meet captivating rescue animals, such as alligators and birds of prey, that make the center their home. There’s also the raptor aviary and butterfly garden offering fascinating experiences for those interested in seeing local fauna from up close.
For a more educational experience, you can also visit their heritage room, which displays fascinating fossils and artifacts from the Calusa natives, offering insights into the area’s natural and cultural history.
One of the most remarkable experiences during your visit is seeing birds of prey up close. You’ll meet Erika, Slade, and Jeepers, three bald eagles, along with Huey and Dewey, two black vultures, and Penny and Leonard, a red-shouldered hawk and an adorable barred owl. All birds were rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed non-releasable due to their injuries.
Kids will also enjoy seeing the alligators, snakes, and turtles, as well as adorable creatures like raccoons and other small native mammals.
Nature Trails
The center also features two distinct open trails across its 105-acre property, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature, take in the scent of pinewoods, and unwind under a cypress dome.
Here’s a breakdown of the trails:
- Wildlands Trail: This trail leads through pine flatwoods, along a canal berm, and into a cypress dome, taking approximately 30–60 minutes to complete. Gentle elevation changes offer scenic views and excellent bird-watching opportunities. Be prepared for narrow, unmaintained sections that may include tall grasses and overgrown plants along the path.
- Pine Loop Trail: This trail is shorter but offers just as much lush scenery and natural beauty as the Wildlands Trail. It can be completed in about 15 minutes, winding through pine flatwoods and a cypress dome, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a quick stroll through the woods. The trail is frequently maintained and features a shell path throughout, providing a well-kept route ideal for a leisurely walk.
Planetarium Shows
The planetarium at Calusa Nature Center was recently renovated and now it features a state-of-the-art projection system with surround sound, enhancing its engaging educational and immersive experiences. Shows run daily, focusing on various aspects of space and natural science, making it an ideal spot for families and space enthusiasts.
The center offers special sessions, including Sensory Sundays, tailored to accommodate sensory-sensitive guests with gentler lighting and reduced sound.
Also, it hosts unique events aligned with rare celestial phenomena, such as eclipses and meteor showers, providing interactive opportunities for you to witness these extraordinary occurrences up close with guidance from specialists.
Note: The event schedule varies, so be sure to check the monthly program on their official website for the latest updates.
Educational Programs
The center offers year-round programs, including camps, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that delve into ecology, conservation, and wildlife protection. It’s particularly popular with school groups and families for its hands-on learning.
Some crowd-pleasing programs include:
- Homeschool at Calusa: These are interactive, themed classes designed to engage students with hands-on learning in various scientific fields. Known as “Homeschool-ology,” this program includes monthly sessions focusing on topics like Zoology, Entomology, and Ornithology, allowing children to explore subjects in-depth.
Classes often incorporate live animal interactions, nature hikes, and craft activities to enhance the educational experience. Each monthly session is structured to allow students to build on previous lessons, but they can also join individual classes based on interest.
Homeschool classes are hosted on the first and third Thursday of each month. These classes are structured as a drop-off program. The cost is $15 per child for non-members or $12 for members.
- Night Hikes: The Night Hikes at Calusa Nature Center offer a unique opportunity to experience the trails by moonlight, guided by expert naturalists who highlight nocturnal wildlife and sounds. During these hikes, participants may encounter bats, listen to owl calls, and learn about the fascinating behaviors of other nighttime creatures.
Using minimal flashlight exposure to preserve the natural environment, these hikes provide an immersive, educational experience suitable for most ages, though very young children might find it challenging. Admission: $20.
- Nature Speaker Series: The Nature Speaker Series offers monthly presentations from October through April, where experts share insights into various environmental and wildlife topics.
Held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the planetarium, the series covers a broad range of subjects, from native Florida ecosystems to conservation efforts and specific wildlife studies. Each speaker brings unique expertise, offering guests an engaging and educational evening. Admission to these events is free for members and $15 for non-members.
Details & Useful Info
Mission: Inspiring people to connect with nature.
Address: 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33905. They are located at the intersection of Colonial Blvd and Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers.
Open Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm.
Pet Policy: They are not a pet-friendly facility. However, task-trained service dogs are allowed at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.
Admission:
- Members and ANCA Reciprocal Members: FREE
- Non-members: Adults: $10; Children (3-12): $5; Under 3: FREE
- The center offers discounts for seniors, students, military, first responders and AAA.
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