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You Are Here: Home » Things to Do » Nature and Parks » Honeymoon Island Nature Center »
Rotary Centennial Nature Center
On Honeymoon Island
One of the newest additions to the area eco-scene, the Rotary Centennial Nature Center, spotlights the flora and fauna of one of the most popular parks in the state system, Honeymoon Island State Park.
Housed in a re-converted building that was once used as a beach cottage for the feature film "The Punisher", the Rotary Centennial Nature Center has a number of exhibits and interactive displays designed to better acquaint guests with the barrier islands and their natural communities. Exhibits allow visitors a better understanding of Honeymoon's ecosystem and the importance of preserving the island's beautiful, natural habitat.
One of the main exhibits at the Nature Center is a 17 foot tall replica tree and osprey nest. A prominent bird species in Florida, ospreys have more than two dozen active nests located on Honeymoon Island. Nature Center exhibits also feature the long history of Honeymoon Island and its neighbor Caladesi Island, the preservation of St. Joseph Sound, island seasons, seasonal fires, seasonal colors, seasonal migrations, bird nesting and resting areas, turtle nesting, trees, fishing and a replica of a "Honeymoon Hut". The palm-thatched bungalows used in newsreel and magazine advertising during the early 1940's, which promised undiscovered pleasures for newlyweds visiting Honeymoon Island.
Poised at more than 14 feet above the ground, the Rotary Centennial Nature Center offers visitors spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Joseph's Sound, Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach and Sand Key from the center's outdoor deck.
Honeymoon Island has been carefully preserved to protect its abundant wildlife, including several endangered species. The constantly evolving shores, and the adjacent sea grass beds, salt marshes and mangrove swamps, provide a unique habitat for a variety of little-noticed species. Visit the nature center, then head out for a beach hike. You are guaranteed to see sea life in a new light.
The goal of the Rotary Centennial Nature Center is to expose visitors to natural beauty while educating them on the concept of environmental ethics. In addition to Center exhibits, guided nature tours are also available.
Honeymoon Island State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Nature Center is located near the entrance to Honeymoon Island State Park at the end of the Dunedin Causeway at the west end of SR 586. Daily admission is $5 per car. Group rates are available. The Nature Center and Honeymoon Island State Park serve as a gateway to Caladesi Island. Visitors can access Caladesi Island via the Caladesi Connection Ferry.
For more information about the Rotary Centennial Nature Center visit www.honeymoonnaturecenter.org
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