The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms and 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The visitor center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including 2,300-gallon aquarium and interactive exhibits addressing research and stewardship efforts ongoing within the Reserve, as well as a nature store, gallery and picnic area. The Environmental Learning Center is also designated as a Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center!
Embark on a journey to learn more about the plants and animals that inhabit this beautiful coastal environment, the issues they face for survival, and how every species contributes to the vitality of this ecosystem. Join our team of naturalists for a closer look at some of the remarkable creatures that inhabit our coastal environment. These DAILY 30-minute programs are offered at 11 am and 2 pm and are included with regular admission.
The new observation bridge, half-mile “Snail Trail” and viewing platform are now open to visitors during ELC hours. Guided tours/Nature Walks are scheduled several days a week.
The art gallery hosts several exhibitions each year. A partnership with the United Arts Council of Collier County enables annual exhibitions of painting and photography juried by local art experts while other showings feature works by local students, Rookery Bay Reserve friends & family, and occasionally individuals. Most of the works are available for purchase.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Osteria Tulia - Naples (8.8 miles) - Created by award-winning Chef Vincenzo Betulia, Osteria Tulia transports diners to Naples, Florida&#...
• DeRomo's Gourmet Market & Restaurant - Bonita Springs (21.8 miles) - Located in Promenade at Bonita Bay, DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant is an excellent place to ...

See and Do

• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Naples (0.0 miles) - The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, ...
• Collier County Museum Naples (6.6 miles) - Stalk prehistoric mastodons with Florida's first big-game hunters, or travel even further back i...
• Marco Island Historical Museum Marco Island (8.1 miles) - Long famous for its Key Marco Cat -- one of the most remarkable and influential discoveries in North...
• Naples Depot Museum Naples (8.6 miles) - Long hidden on the fringe of Florida's Gulf Coast and overlooked by developers until well into t...
• Museum of the Everglades Everglades City (23.7 miles) - Escape Naples' dazzling pace of development for a day and spend a lazy afternoon exploring the h...

Shopping

• Promenade at Bonita Bay - Bonita Springs (21.8 miles) - The Promenade at Bonita Bay is an open-air shopping center enhanced by a beautiful tropical landscap...