Deering Estate

Located along the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 444-acre Deering Estate at Cutler is an environmental, archeological and historical preserve. It is also the former home of Charles Deering, son of William Deering, founder of Deering Harvester Company, and brother of millionaire industrialist James Deering.

From canoe tours to butterfly walks and guided nature hikes, the Deering Estate has diverse activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Estate offers daily tours of the historic houses – the Stone House and Richmond Cottage, as well as tours of the lush natural areas where fossil bones have been found as far back at 50,000 years. The Estate is part of the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department, which manages the Estate on behalf of the State of Florida.

The Deering Estate is also a cultural and educational facility that features classes and programs for children and adults, teacher training and research opportunities. The Estate also serves as a small conference center for community organizations and corporate groups who share Charles Deering's interest in the environment, botany, history, fine arts, antiques, rare books and wine. Rental of the Estate is available for special social functions.

General admission is $10 for adults and $5 children (ages 4-14) and includes tours of the historic homes and natural areas. Special EcoAdventure Tours and guided canoe trips to the offshore island of Chicken Key are available for an additional fee. Chicken Key is a seven-acre mangrove island and restored bird rookery one-mile offshore in Biscayne Bay. The island contains sanddunes and mangrove forests and is surrounded by sand bars, tidal flats, seagrass beds and rocky debris.