Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
We are CLOSED for the month of September for maintenance So we can make crane Point, even more, spectacular for you. See you in October. Take a walk back in time through our 63 acres of hardwood hammock. Crane Point Museum & Nature Center is a non-profit organization in Marathon, Florida in the heart of the Fabulous Florida Keys featuring a museum of natural history, a fish pedicure, and beautiful nature trails throughout a 63-acre hardwood hammock. This nature reserve contains evidence of pre-Columbian civilization and was once the site of an Indian village. We are pet-friendly!
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Debbie H6 contributionsGreat fun for a reasonable priceWe enjoyed our afternoon at Crane Point. Don’t miss the trolley tour. They fill up so call in advance to reserve a space. It is a tremendous value for everything there is to see and do there. Ronnie our guide was very knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
- CHRIS B6 contributionsThanks DeeWonderful facility, well maintained, easily walked or ride the tour guide trolly. We rode the trolly Dee was our hostess. She did an amazing job telling us about the history and nature of the area. Take the trolly and you get inside the Crane House, walkers do not get thgis option.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 23, 2024
- Sally DFranklin, North Carolina85 contributionsExcellent Trolley TourWe have been to Crane Point several times, but this is the first time we took the trolley tour. It was great. Ronnie was incredibly knowledgeable about every facet of the park from history to plants and spiders. It was fun to be able to explore inside the Crane house. We would highly recommend!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 29, 2024
- Emily M5 contributionsFun For all AgesBeautiful, fun, memorable, and affordable adventure for all ages. Went as a family of 5 with two family members over the age of 70 and an 8 month old. So much to see and learn. We took the golf cart tour which was no added cost. We saw- Large Land Turtles Little Racoons Parrot Fish Feet pedicure fish Iguana Banyan Trees Butterfly My only recommendation to the visitor center would be to update their educational resources and teachings about the indigenous communities of the Keys. In addition the tour and information was a very white focused/white perspective and would have been much more real, equitable, and education with BIPOC stories and perspective. This includes more information and discussion about the refuge boats that they have on sight. If you are going to keep the boats to show the public it seems important to have information and discussions about what they represent for the people who travel in them.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- 6245gillian237 contributionsBeautiful hidden gemThis place is beautiful. Feels like a well kept secret as we asked around if there were any nice walks and no one mentioned this place. We spent a good 2 hours walking around the trails. Everything is well labelled and the girl on reception is really helpful. The views are beautiful out to sea with lots of chairs to rest and relax on. There is a lake in the middle where you are encouraged to sit and let the fish nibble your feet like a fish spa. The paths are easy to follow with the map provided. Wear reasonable shoes they are gravel but I managed fine in flip flops. There’s also a museum at the end and a gift shop.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2024
- MeeshK9 contributionsPleasantly surprised and glad we stopped!This was one of our stops to break up our drive from upper keys to Key West. It was a nice little walking trail and preserve with a little bit of history along the way. There is little museum at the entrance, a fish tank, tortoises, an original cracker house and then of course the Crane House. We were disappointed we couldn’t tour the house and they didn’t have their permit for housing birds yet, but if you walk to the point, make sure you dip your feet in for a fish pedicure. The walk is very easy and they mark different species native to the keys.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 7, 2024
- dblw1001Cincinnati, Ohio18 contributionsHidden Gem!THIS is a hidden treasure on Marathon Key! We really enjoyed our visit to Crane Point Hammock. The price was very good. We took the guided tour (included) with volunteer Tim and it was amazing! He pointed out all the unique trees, critters and buildings on this incredible property. I definitely recommend this experience!Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 11, 2024
- Diana M59 contributionsNice but take bug spray and h20 !Very nice place to spend a couple hours. Don’t miss Charlie and Rocco the tortoises . Make sure you go to the end for a pedicure by fish! (It tickles). The gift shop is one of the most reasonably priced. Jessica was very knowledgeable and friendly!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2024
- Brenda N24 contributionsGreat place to visitWow what a great place to explore for a few hours. They have so much here to look at and do and learn. Museum, tortoises, rescued birds, lots of hiking trails, a cool house on the point and my favorite, a fish pedicure! All the employees we encountered were so friendly!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 25, 2024
- LenishkaOrlando, Florida6 contributionsGreat time team building with my coworkers!5 out of 5! We came here ad part of our company retreat. The museum was closed for repair but the kayaking was wonderful. The fish pedicure was a fine experience too! I enjoyed the hiking through the trails the trail can be bumpy so keep that in mind. It can get hot but there is plenty of shade and benches to rest.Visited September 2024Traveled on businessWritten September 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
904 reviews
Excellent
546
Very good
241
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76
Poor
22
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19
Chuck G
14 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This nature center is a highlight of our trip touring the Florida Keys. Don't be fooled by the modest entrance to this magnificent park. Take the path suggested by the employee you pay your entrance fee to - she suggested we go counter clockwise on the white pebbled path and end at the bird sanctuary. We saw many people skip to go see the birds only and they missed out. This is a beautiful refuge of peace and natural beauty. Bonus - you get a fish pedicure (you'd pay the same or more at a 'boutique' salon and miss out on nature) midway through. I highly recommend you take your shoes and socks off and sit quietly and let the fish do the work.
This nature center is managed with care and love. The only part that needs a little maintenance is the butterfly garden. Otherwise, everything else was wonderful.
This nature center is managed with care and love. The only part that needs a little maintenance is the butterfly garden. Otherwise, everything else was wonderful.
Written November 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2TropicsTravelers
Orlando, FL96 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This is a wonderful, almost hidden gem, in Marathon. It didn’t come up when we were researching, but saw the caboose train car and sign while we were driving around. After looking at the website and reviews, we decided to spend the next morning there. Beautiful, well laid out location with LOTS to do. We first watched the video, then walked through all the buildings and all the trails. The only thing we didn’t do (just because timing didn’t work out) was ride the trolley. We will definitely do that next time, as the trolley ride is the only way you get to tour the inside of the Frank Lloyd Wright -inspired home on the property. We spent about 3 hours, not counting any water activities. You could easily take a picnic lunch and spend an enjoyable entire day.
Written November 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover263794
3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Crane Point is a must see nature wonderland! Absolutely take the complimentary 8 person trolley ride, as this, apparently, the only way to see inside the beautifully restored Crane home. Colin was a fantastic guide, so full of knowledge, obviously loving his volunteer career...and so adorable when other volunteers showed us the tree snail! Kudos to this community for caring for this gem!!!
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria G
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
We were disappointed with our trip to crane point. There were no fish in the pools by the museum, we saw no butterflies and thought we could use kayaks, but were told we couldn’t without paying extra. The house that was refurbished isn’t open to the public, you can only peer inside the windows. The fish pedicure was a fun experience for the kiddos. But overall, this was an expensive walk on a bumpy gravel road. I would skip this attraction if you have kids.
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo-Anne G
Key Largo, FL189 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
The tram tour was very educational, the Crane house tour beautiful, we enjoyed the walking trails, fish pedicure, wild bird center, cracker house, museum & gift shop. We did the tram tour, then left for lunch and the went back and hiked. We are looking forward to hiking more trails on our next visit.
Written December 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy H
Sevierville, TN563 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
My husband and I enjoyed our visit to Crane Point. There is a nice gift shop when you enter and neat exhibits. The bird sanctuary is interesting. We enjoyed walking through the trees and having signs on many trees to identify them.
The highlight was getting a fish pedicure passed the Crane House. Feeding the parrot fish at the Point was neat. You can pay 25 cents and buy fish food to feed them.
The highlight was getting a fish pedicure passed the Crane House. Feeding the parrot fish at the Point was neat. You can pay 25 cents and buy fish food to feed them.
Written February 4, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vicki3432018
York, PA15 contributions
Feb 2023
My friends and I discovered Crane Point when visiting Marathon Florida. By far it was one of my top experiences when visiting the Florida Keys. I loved that it was an outdoor experience that provided insight into how the area developed, the architecture and structures of the early Marathon community, and a greater understanding of the nature and habitat of the area. We took the guided tour via the little shuttle. Our volunteer guide was knowledgable and personable and provided insights we would not have gleaned had we walked the property on our own. You are not able to enter the Crane home without taking the tour and we loved being able to see the inside of the home and learn a bit about the family. You also get to tour the Adderly House and learn about the first settlers on the point.
I highly recommend this opportunity. It was reasonable priced and well worth visiting.
I highly recommend this opportunity. It was reasonable priced and well worth visiting.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lili813
Tampa, FL122 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
We enjoyed our time there. We were initially looking for a place to get our morning walk in—and we’re expecting a park area with walking trails you can just walk on your own, apart from the museum and paid admission spaces. But we went ahead in and enjoyed ourselves. It was a nice outdoor experience with some unexpected fun. There’s a natural “fish pedicure” area where you can sit beside the water and have the little fishies nibble at your feet. That was a cool inclusion (considering some pay for that as a spa experience.). We also enjoyed walking through the bird sanctuary and getting to see the bird hospital (though it was closed). There are several gorgeous views, clearly marked trails, periodic places to sit if needed. I appreciated that they preserved the history of Mary and Francis Crane, but also a house and history of George Adderly and Adderly Town—a historic Black Bahamian settlement. Admission was about $14.50/adult ($12.50 for seniors).
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey C
2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Highly recommend this place, trails to walk, museum, bird rescue center. I took the 90 minute guided ride to start on a 7 person golf cart at noon. I recommend doing this 1st its very informative about history and plants. Then I walked the loop trails afterwards. $14.95 for adult, stop at Marathon Visitors center for $2 off coupon.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana L
Olivebridge, NY20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was a really nice wander. I would definitely recommend it for couples and Families. They had some interesting exhibits and the grounds were lovely. I will warn you, they have some very large golden silk orb weaver spiders webs in and around some of the paths in the woods. They were pretty amazing to check out, but if you're not a spider lover, you might want to stay low ;-)
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Should I take our leave my dog? There’s 6 of us going this afternoon since it’s a cooler day for walking.
Written December 8, 2020
How is it after the hurricane ? Are all the trees down like in the rest of the keys ?
Written November 27, 2017
While we did loose trees and landscaping we have cleaned up and are rebuilding to be better than before. Everything is green again and growing strong.
Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything else we can help you with.
Charlotte
Written December 29, 2017
$14.95 adult
$12.95 senior or milatiry
$9.95 kids under 12
5 & under free
Written March 29, 2017
Hi. I see in your review that you "can do a kayak trip". Did you do it? Trying to decide if it's worth it to do their kayak tour or go elsewhere. Thanks.
Written July 13, 2016
Sorry, I thought I was asking a specific person. If anyone has done the kayak deal, please let me know what you think.
Written July 13, 2016
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