St. Lucie County Aquarium/Smithsonian Marine Ecosystem Exhibit, Fort Pierce, Florida St. Lucie County Aquarium occupies a bright blue building on the grassy shores of the Indian River Lagoon, part of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway. Essentially surrounded by water, the aquarium stands near the end of a scenic causeway that leads from the mainland to South Hutchinson Island, one of two barrier islands off the coast of Fort Pierce. A splendid string of Atlantic Ocean beaches and boardwalks are just one and one- half miles east of the aquarium. Fort Pierce is located on the “Sunshine State’s” Treasure Coast between the urban sprawls of north and south Florida. It occupies a pretty patch of Atlantic shoreline that has resisted being swallowed by the concrete jungle—a big advantage for nature-loving residents and tourists alike. There’s still plenty of undeveloped green space in Fort Pierce. And there are lots of protected blue and golden spaces too, with many public park preserves providing amazing blue waters and golden sand beaches—on the lagoon as well as the oceanfront. So, plan to go fishing, surfing, boating, paddleboarding, or kayaking. And be prepared for leisurely beach sessions and boardwalk strolls too. Is local shopping on your travel wish list? Fort Pierce’s waterfront Saturday marketplace is designated “Number One Farmer’s Market in Florida.” Just a few steps west is a revitalized
walkable downtown district reminiscent of a relaxed vintage version of Florida. And here’s a landlubber alert. A short drive west of town leads to working family ranches where real cowboys still tend their cattle herds and practice rodeo moves. The St. Lucie County Aquarium/Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit was founded in 2000 when the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History retired its Atlantic coral reef tank from the original site in Washington, D.C. Scientists from the Fort Pierce based Smithsonian Marine Station collaborated with St. Lucie County Commissioners to launch a new aquatic complex. Today’s primary focus is to inspire visitors to preserve and protect Florida’s remarkable marine environments. You can optimize the quality of your aquarium tour with your phone by scanning the QR codes at select displays. The links provided take you to brief related video presentations by Smithsonian experts. Exhibits were developed as living models of six highly specialized local ecosystems. Tanks accommodate marine species that occupy the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding Atlantic waters. Each model in the line-up is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The largest and most dazzling representation is a mock-up of a Caribbean coral reef, complete with neon-tinted
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is housed in a bright blue building on the grassy shores of the Indian River Lagoon.
The touch tank experience at St. Lucie County Aquarium fascinates visitors of all ages.
THREE AWESOME SOUTHERN AQUARIUMS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 25
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