Tour a place where nature is as important as manmade structures. The buildings are over 100 years old and ancient fossils have also been discovered.
Make an outing to Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay, Florida. It offers a visit that is both relaxing and interesting. Richmond Cottage and the Stone House provide an insight into an earlier time in this subtropical region. View works of art from various regions of the world here. The list of things to do at the estate should satisfy many family interests.
Choose from touring the buildings, taking a nature or butterfly walk on the 444-acre (180-hectare) property, practicing yoga on manicured lawns, participating in a painting class, attending a dance workshop or listening to an outdoor concert or performance in the ballroom. The peaceful setting on Biscayne Bay with palm trees lining the shore is often enough to make you want to spend more time at this location. Bring a picnic to enjoy at a table near the charming boat basin after walking along the mangrove boardwalk.
Learn about the estate’s history, which includes settlements for Paleo-Indians and hunting grounds for Seminoles. It was the site of the town of Cutler with its aspiration of being a railroad hub, but that role failed to materialize.
Charles Deering was an industrialist and philanthropist from Chicago who purchased the land in 1916 and renovated Richmond Inn where he and his wife lived during the winter. Deering had interests in a number of enterprises including being chairman of the International Harvester Company. He wanted a place to display his art collection and in 1922 had the Stone House built that still contains priceless pieces.
Appreciate the dedication to nature conservancy that Deering maintained by inviting renowned botanists David Fairchild and John Kunkle Small to provide their input for the property.
Deering died at the estate in 1927 and the property was purchased by the state of Florida in 1986 and subsequently listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Find Deering Estate just off the Florida Turnpike. It’s open daily, excluding Christmas and Thanksgiving. Seniors and military personnel receive discounts, as do youth up to 14 years old. You’re also invited to become a member of this historic, cultural and ecological attraction.
