The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. Our 105 acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and meeting and picnic areas.

Strolling through our Museum, visitors can learn about Southwest Florida's natural history. Daily educational programs allow visitors an up close and personal view of some of our resident creatures, including a skunk, bobcat, raccoon, white tail deer, Butterfly Aviary and Native Plant Nursery and an Audubon Aviary which houses permanently injured birds of prey (hawks, vultures, bald eagles, owls and more!).

Various amphibians and arthropods are also waiting for you. The Museum's interpretive displays address many issues effecting our area, from water resources to the plight of the endangered manatee.

The stars are always out in our Planetarium, the only one south of Bradenton and west of the Miami! Check the Planetarium pages for astronomical happenings and other special events.

Our Museum, Planetarium and large portions of our nature trails are accessible to people with disabilities.

Our Gift Shop has a wide variety of natural history merchandise for all ages, from books to jewelry to native plants. Be sure to check it out on your next visit. If we don't have what you're looking for use our link to Amazon.com. All purchases, not just books, made at Amazon.com through our website link benefit the Center.

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is truly a center. In addition to our regular collection of programs and hosting of special events, our facilities are utilized by numerous groups and organizations for their regular meetings and special programs. When you or your business need a unique and convenient site for your next meeting, presentation, birthday party or picnic, please contact us to see what we can offer.

Voted Best Nature Center in Florida for 2004 by the readers of Florida Monthly magazine. The Museum, Aviaries and Trails are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Please join Volunteer Docent Norm DeWolfe every Tuesday and Friday at 9:30am for a guided walk of the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. He has been leading the walk for years and is one of the best interpreters of the swamp.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available by calling 275-3435. Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Family memberships are available which entitles members to free admission for a year and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store. We welcome new volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

Programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, the South Florida Water Management District, and the West Coast Inland Navigation District.