The historic Deering Estate is an important landmark amid Miami’s green spaces with the museum and ecological jewel being the former house of Charles Deering, a Chicago entrepreneur, preservationist, environmentalist, art collector, philanthropist and the first chairman of the International Harvester Company.
Over 444 coastal Miami acres and on the National Register of Historic Places, this state-protected park features a wide variety of activities, from canoe excursions and bird walks to night time kayaking, boat tours of Biscayne Bay, hiking, nature paths, eco-tours, and more.
In the mood for some Miami sunshine? Here are five of Deering Estate’s natural wonders that you shouldn’t miss.
Visit A Wildlife Sanctuary
This tour is perfect if you want to see the natural beauty of Miami in a way that you won’t find anywhere else. The Nature Preserve Tour at Deering Estate takes curious visitors to Cutler Burial Mound, a notable Tequesta Indian site that has been here for millennia.
One of Deering Estate’s own naturalists will lead you on a one-hour stroll around the property’s private paths while providing interesting facts about the local flora and fauna.
With the sensitive ecosystems and historical significance of the Cutler Burial Mound, visitors are only permitted on the Nature Preserve Trail areas as part of this tour or when escorted by a member of the Deering Estate personnel.
The excursions begin at 12:30 p.m., October through May, and gather on the bayside veranda of the Stone House on the Deering Estate. everyday. Admission to this event is included in the price of general admission for those who are not members of the Deering Estate Foundation.
Enjoy A Night Time Campfire And Hike
Experience the night time beauty of South Dade’s nature preserves. Learn about the night time inhabitants of Deering Estate as you stroll through the woods with a ranger.
Plus, it’s a fantastic community event that the whole family can enjoy. A minimum age of four years old is required for participation. Seasonal tours are held on the second Wednesday of every month from October through May. to 9:30 p.m.
Take A Kayak Trip In The Evening Moon
You may go kayaking at Palmetto Bay at night, which is a hidden gem of Biscayne Bay. Deering Estate offers a Moonlight Kayak Tour during the full moon. Tours leave from the estate and travel to Chicken Key, a mangrove island and bird rookery located about a mile off the coast of South Dade.
As you return to shore after your paddling adventure, the party will enjoy a campfire before calling it a night. The trip happens between October and May, with specific tour dates varying according on the phases of the moon and the Deering Estate Welcome Center is where all tours begin.
Members and non-members of the Deering Estate Foundation pay $45 each to attend this event. Snacks and water are welcome, and guests are asked to wear closed-toe shoes. Paddleboarders of intermediate skill level and up, and participants must be 18 or older, are encouraged to give this a try.
Go On A Bird Walk And See What You Can Find
Over 170 species of birds, both permanent residents and those passing through, call Deering Estate, which is located in the Biscayne Bay Important Bird Area (IBA), home. Take one of the seasonal, guided Bird Walks at Deering Estate to see if you can spot some of the area’s unique avian inhabitants (think ibises, herons, egrets, and other shorebirds).
During the months of October through May, you can join us for our monthly 7:30 a.m. Saturday tours. until 10:30 a.m. The Deering Estate Welcome Center is where all tours begin. Each attendee will need to pay $15 to participate. On-site ticket sales will be available for this event.
Visit Stiltsville
A guided tour of one of Miami’s most cherished historic locations, Stiltsville is a three-hour tour departing from Deering Estate and traveling through the northernmost reaches of Biscayne National Park to a community of seven brightly colored stilted villas that were once the exclusive playground of the rich and famous.
Participation is open to people of all ages and tickets include access to Deering Estate. Once a month, on the first and third Sunday, visitors can take a tour between the hours of noon and 2:30. Visits begin at the Deering Estate’s Front Gate.
Both Deering Estate Foundation members and non-members (ages 5 and up) can attend this event for $56. There is no charge for children younger than five. It is necessary to purchase tickets in advance because there will be no cash sales at the door.
Information In General
As of 10 a.m., you can enter. until 5pm every day besides Thanksgiving and Christmas. After 4 o’clock, doors close and no one is allowed in. There is a free parking lot right on the premises.
Cost is $15 per adult and $7 per child (ages 4-14). On Tuesdays, active-duty military and seniors can save $2 off regular admission. Visitors who are members of the Deering Estate Foundation gain free access to the estate.