Take a break from the beach to explore the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center! Open since 2011, The Reserve Nature Center features a variety of educational, interactive, and live exhibits designed to help visitors learn more about the Apalachicola River and Bay and the diverse flora and fauna of the Forgotten Coast.

Multiple aquariums display local fauna from the river, estuary, bay, and gulf. A theater room features showings of a short documentary highlighting the Apalachicola River and Bay eco-system while boardwalks that surround the system showcase marsh and flatwood habitats and end with a platform overlooking St. George Sound. Adjacent Millender Park provides public access to picnic pavilions and a bayshore beach.

Encompassing 246,766 acres of public lands and waters, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in Franklin, Gulf, and Calhoun counties, within one of the least populated coastal areas of the state.

To manage the diverse natural communities of the Reserve, natural resource managers teamed up with local, state, and federal agencies in many ways. The reserve creates educational programs focused on K-12 students designed to support the long tradition of the community’s stewardship of Apalachicola Bay.

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center is located at 108 Island Drive (State Road 300) at Cat Point in Eastpoint, Florida. Visitor hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM.