Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails
Crane Point Hammock is a little-known but worthwhile stop, especially for those interested in the rich botanical and archaeological history of the Keys. This privately owned, 64-acre nature area is considered one of the most important historic sites in the Keys. It contains what is probably the last virgin thatch-palm forest in North America, as well as a rainforest exhibit and an archaeological site with prehistoric Indian and Bahamian artifacts. It’s home to Bahamian-style Adderly House, the oldest house in the Keys outside of Key West.
The hammock’s impressive nature museum has simple, informative displays of the Keys’ wildlife, including a walk-through replica of a coral-reef cave and life-size dioramas with tropical birds and Key deer. There’s also a 600-year-old dugout canoe and remnants of pirate ships. Kids can make art projects, see 6-foot-long iguanas, go birding, climb through a scaled-down pirate ship, and touch a variety of indigenous aquatic and landlubber creatures. Also included in your admission fee? A fish pedicure. Yup. You dip your feet into a tidal pool and let the Gambusia fish nibble on your barking dogs.
Crane Point Hammock is a little-known but worthwhile stop, especially for those interested in the rich botanical and archaeological history of the Keys. This privately owned, 64-acre nature area is considered one of the most important historic sites in the Keys. It contains what is probably the last virgin thatch-palm forest in North America, as well as a rainforest exhibit and an archaeological site with prehistoric Indian and Bahamian artifacts. It’s home to Bahamian-style Adderly House, the oldest house in the Keys outside of Key West.
The hammock’s impressive nature museum has simple, informative displays of the Keys’ wildlife, including a walk-through replica of a coral-reef cave and life-size dioramas with tropical birds and Key deer. There’s also a 600-year-old dugout canoe and remnants of pirate ships. Kids can make art projects, see 6-foot-long iguanas, go birding, climb through a scaled-down pirate ship, and touch a variety of indigenous aquatic and landlubber creatures. Also included in your admission fee? A fish pedicure. Yup. You dip your feet into a tidal pool and let the Gambusia fish nibble on your barking dogs.
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