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    Manatee Center

    3.9 (23 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    Displays
    Robert M.

    Fantastic fun for $6. We did not get to see any live Manatees (too hot), but Lindsay and the rest of the staff were fun to talk to and the inside displays are excellent.

    Ariel W.

    You will have to wait for a cool day to see the manatees but at a cost of only $1 any day is a good day to visit the Manatee Observation and Education Center. The first written record of a manatee was in 1492 when Christopher Columbus spotted one and thought he had seen a mermaid! Today Florida's gentle sea cows are endangered due to accidents with boats. Often you see scars from boat propellers on their backs. Fortunately stricter speed laws for boats and more public education has led to the US Fish and Wildlife Service to want to downgrade them from endangered to threatened. The importance of places like this to educate the public and make them want to protect the manatees cannot be understated. The center which was opened in 1996 is on the Indian River Lagoon and Fort Pierce Marina. The manatees are free to come and go as they please but you have the best chance of seeing them when it is cold out. If you are lucky enough to be there when they are you can view them from the covered walkway or the two story observation tower. Inside the center are educational displays about manatees, a touch tanks, and five aquariums with live animals. There is also the Vanishing Mermaid Gift Shop selling all kinds of manatee, nature, and ocean related items. The center holds many activities throughout the year such as Indian River Lagoon wildlife boat tours, Naturefest, summer camps, brown bag lunch lecture series, and educational speakers. The 23rd annual Naturefest is this Saturday. All of these programs are created for the purpose of educating the public so that they will support the preservation of the Treasure Coasts ecosystem. They also provide programs for school children to teach the next generation how important it is to take care of our environment. Although the center is small there is also the House of Seven Gables and an art museum in the same area so there is plenty to keep you occupied for an afternoon.

    Manatee statue in the center
    Jessica H.

    Disappointed to pay for entry and not get much in return. There were a few items to explore and view inside the center (but not worth the fee). It was not cold enough for manatees to be present. Overall, not worth the time or money. I was expecting more from a place that is called "education center".

    Courtyard
    Jim H.

    This is a great place to learn about Manatees and about local sea life in general. Generally - it is also usually a good place to see manatees. Unfortunately, due to a recent bout of cool weather, the manatees were apparently elsewhere seeking warmer water. No manatees were spotted during our visit today although the docents indicated that 4 had been spotted the day before. Whether or not you get to see any manatees, this is a great place to learn about them and to see a 15 minute video about them. While we no longer travel with young kids - this is the kind of place my kids would have loved when they were still kids. Admission is $1.00

    Gift Shop
    Kevin L.

    The Manatee Center is small but mighty. And you get your fair share of entertainment value for the $1 entry fee they levy. Sit down and enjoy the manatee educational video (possibly made back in the '80s), wander around and check out the various aquarium exhibits with live fish, various crustaceans, turtles, and even an underwater petting zoo. Listen to the volunteers talk about the history of the center, learn about the crazy hurricanes that demolished it, and the few animals that survived the wreckage, and the ones they had to let go into the wild (that are most likely deceased/eaten by this point). And if you're especially lucky, you might spot "footprints" on the surface of the water in the inlet right outside, indicating a manatee floating just under the surface. Our timing was impeccable, and a volunteer called us out to spot just such a sea cow. And a big 'un it was! Pop in for a brief 30 minute fun, informative interlude. It's well worth the price.

    Welcome and education center

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great place to visit you will see some fish and maybe a manatee come hang out with us

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    8 years ago

    Not worth the stop. Paid a dollar to literally look at a fish tank. I was very disappointed.

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    Review Highlights - Manatee Center

    The center which was opened in 1996 is on the Indian River Lagoon and Fort Pierce Marina.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Heathcote Botanical Gardens - Fukien Tea bonsai

    Heathcote Botanical Gardens

    4.5(22 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Looking for a relaxing setting? This little garden is a unique space. There is a great space for…read morepicnics, reflection, or a date! People of all ages can enjoy the benches to rest, bubbling fountains, and a scavenger hunts. There is lots of trees for shade, and a big field for events. They are willing to have events! There are butterflies, but the bonsais had my attention. The largest bonsai garden is here, and the gardener is quite knowledgeable. The staff are considerate and helpful. There are 3 handicapped parking spots in additional to regular spots all in front of the gift shop. The entrance fee is low, with a discount for elders. I am looking forward to returning soon.

    I recently visited Heathcote Botanical Gardens after moving to the Fort Pierce area and was excited…read moreto spend a relaxing afternoon there with my kids. The pricing is reasonable--$12 for adults, and kids under 6 get in free, which is great for families. They do accept cash, but for card payments, it's limited to tap or chip only. Unfortunately, I ran into an issue with my debit card and didn't have cash on me, so I wasn't able to pay at the entrance. When I asked if there were any other options, I was told no. What made this frustrating is that after leaving, I checked their website and saw there may have been other possible workarounds--like purchasing a $10 lunch ticket or making a donation online. Even just suggesting those options could have helped me still enjoy the visit with my kids. I understand policies are policies, but a little flexibility or guidance would have gone a long way, especially for a parent just trying to create a nice moment with their children. We ended up leaving and finding something else to do, which was disappointing. I hope they consider offering more payment flexibility or training staff to suggest alternatives in situations like this.

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    Heathcote Botanical Gardens - Beautiful bonsai

    Beautiful bonsai

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    Beautiful seating

    Manatee Center - childrensmuseums - Updated May 2026

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