AT HISTORIC SPANISH POINT . . .   DISCOVER a 30-acre historical, archaeological and environmental museum owned and operated by Gulf Coast Heritage Association, Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization. Overlooking beautiful Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, Florida USA, Historic Spanish Point was the first site in Sarasota County to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and is accredited by the American Association of Museums.   EXPERIENCE prehistory by stepping inside “A Window to the Past,” an archaeology exhibition about the gulf coast region’s earliest people. This is the only place in the United States where you can be surrounded by a 15 foot high prehistoric shell mound called a midden. View a recreated dwelling from 1,000 years ago. See artifacts from the past.  The middens at Historic Spanish Point constitute one of the largest intact prehistoric villages in southwest Florida.

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EXPLORE Florida’s pioneer life by touring a home built in 1901, a citrus packing house to learn about the produce of the Webb homestead, and the charming Mary’s Chapel where many couples have been married in the past and today.  You can also interact with a maritime heritage boatyard and take seasonal excursions on Lizzie G. a Florida style sharpie sailboat.

REFLECT on early 1900s Sarasota as you stroll through formal gardens, like the Pergola & Sunken Garden, created by Mrs. Potter Palmer as part of her winter estate. The Pergola is a favorite site of elegant weddings and receptions. The graceful Duchene Lawn and Classic Portal is a calm respite on your walk to the Butterfly Garden, which is the largest on the gulf coast. An aqueduct empties over a shell cascade in the Jungle Walk.

ENJOY shady nature trails through native plant communities and stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay from large boardwalks and scenic overlooks. Osprey, Pelican, Dolphin and Manatees can be seen from Cock's Footbridge. Bring a picnic lunch and dine under the graceful branches of a majestic Southern Magnolia.