The Loxahatchee River Environmental Center in Jupiter Florida, or River Center as it’s more commonly known, opened in August 2008. The River Center has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike, many of whom are interested in wildlife and river conservation. It has hosted over 130,000 visitors, 20,000 students and hundreds of Scouts!  The River Center is located within Burt Reynolds Park which has been a wonderful location to continue to inform people about Florida’s First National Wild and Scenic River.

The River Center has many live exhibits, aquatic tanks and even a touch tank, which show the life of river systems varying from the freshwater cypress swamp to marine ecosystems. The aquariums take people down the Loxahatchee River, starting at the headwaters located in Palm Beach County through the swampy floodplain in the Wild and Scenic section. It then goes past the sand bars and out to the beautiful coral reef of the Jupiter Inlet.

The Loxahatchee River Center hosts several daily events that have become fan favorites. Every Thursday morning, The River Center hosts the starfish and coffee story time is free and geared towards kids 0 to 7 and their parents. The kids enjoy singing songs, stories about the local wildlife and even get to interact with several creatures in the touch tank. All this while the parents enjoy cups of coffee from Oceana Coffee.

On Saturday’s anyone can enjoy the public tour and fish feeding experience. The staff takes visitors on a tour of the facility, followed by a touch tank demonstration and ending with everyone watching a feeding of many of the resident animals.

Finally, there is the friends of The Loxahatchee River Event, which takes place on the first Friday of each month. A light lunch is provided and local professionals educate visitors about conservation and restoration of the Loxahatchee and South Florida in general. 

The River Center is a wonderful place to visit, and is an important place in Jupiter as they are providing a fun and interactive way to get people involved in the South Florida environment. Host your next birthday party here, plan to attend one of their wonderful Summer camp programs or, if you are a teacher, plan an exciting field trip here!

***Starting September 1st, 2016 the River Center will have adjusted hours of operation. ***

Fall to Spring Hours:

September 1st - May 31st

Tuesday - Wednesday 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM 

Thursday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM