The Calusa Nature Center & 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.

The Calusa Nature Center & 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.

Museum – Strolling through our Museum, visitors can learn about the Caloosahatchee River and Southwest Florida’s natural history.

Animal Talks – Daily educational programs allow visitors an up close and personal view of some of our resident creatures, including a skunk, a raccoon, fox, Butterfly Aviary, and an Audubon Aviary which houses permanently injured birds of prey (hawks, vultures, bald eagles, owls and more!).

Animal Exhibits – Various reptiles, amphibians and arthropods are also waiting for you. The Museum’s interpretive displays address many issues affecting our area, from water resources to the plight of the endangered manatee.

Planetarium – 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.

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

Gift Shop – Our Gift Shop has a wide variety of natural history merchandise for all ages, from books to jewelry. Be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Facility Rental – 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.

Hours – The Museum, Aviaries and Trails are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Address – 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 239-275-3435.

Pricing – Admission to the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Please call for group rates, which are available for 15 or more people when you book your visit in advance. 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 239-275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

Exhibits still on display were created with partial sponsorship 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.