Rand Nature Center

Discovery Cruise Line offers a full array of activities and excursions to enjoy during your stay on Grand Bahama Island. The Rand Nature Center was named for James H. Rand, a renowned philanthropist of Freeport, who died in 1968. The 100-acre sanctuary was the first education nature center to be established in The Islands of The Bahamas and its goal is to preserve the natural Grand Bahamian habitat as a heritage for future generations. The Rand Nature Center is located only minutes from downtown Freeport, and is by far Grand Bahama's most accessible national park. Along the nature trail that winds through the park, at least 130 Bahamian plants have been identified, which are just as fascinating as the birds. The Whiskbroom Fern, for instance, is believed to have been the first plant in the world to stand upright. Many other species became very useful in the daily lives of early Grand Bahamians: Uniola, a springy grass, was used to stuff mattresses; the sharp-pointed Agave leaves served as needles and threads; and the Love Vine is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The Rand Nature Center is open Monday thru Friday and guided tours available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.