Rinker Environmental Learning Center

Offering monthly activities and public events (Science Saturdays and Science Cafes) and K-12 school and other tour group programs. There is also a small exhibit and exploration gallery called The Nature Nook which is open to the public during regular museum hours at no cost to visitors.

Science Saturday
Offering monthly Science Saturdays programs that give scientists and environmentalists of all ages the opportunity to join in some fun and engaging activities in the museum, in the Rinker Environmental Learning Center (RELC), and outside on the museum grounds. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.


The grounds of the Gillespie Museum and of the adjacent Rinker Environmental Learning Center are home to the Volusia Sandhill Ecosystem Teaching Landscape, as well as an established Native Florida Plant Landscape, the Hatter Harvest Garden, and Stetson Beekeeping.

The Native Florida Plant Landscape surrounds the museum proper. Plant signs on the landscape and an interpretive brochure available in the museum introduce visitors to common native Florida trees and plants.

Stetson Beekeeping is a campus club of like minded individuals with a passion for beekeeping, honey, and everything in between. Their cluster of hives is located behind the Gillespie Museum.