Nature Center Discovery Lab
Nature Center Phone: (843) 828-4837| Hours currently “as Posted.”
Take Magnolia Lake Circle, turn left at Site Z-67. Located behind Sandy Mart. Read more about it on our Blog.
A one-of-a-kind facility in this area, the Ocean Lakes Leonard Raker Nature Center Discovery Lab focuses on marine life. It all began with Leonard Raker, Founder, and Curator, he traveled extensively during our off-season gathering items for exhibit. Today our Naturalist, Kaylei, helps our guests (0f all ages) learn about the ocean. She has a degree in Marine Biology and loves to answer questions and assist our guests (and teammates).
The Nature Center offers exhibits and information on shells, fossils, sea life, Ocean Lakes history, area wildlife, and the ecology of coastal South Carolina. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to identify items discovered on our nearly one mile of the Atlantic Ocean beach and answer any questions you may have.
They also know where all the good “shell” spots are located along the Grand Strand. Download the Shell ID Cards (linked on the right).
Join them on a beach walk or for an educational program. It will be enjoyed by the entire family!
For our younger guests with upcoming science projects, the Ocean Lakes Nature Center is a great place to gather information and get a head start. Kaylei would love to assist you with ideas and marine life info. Make sure to follow up with them next summer and let them know how your project turned out! If you are at Ocean Lakes this summer please check out our hands-on, educational nature-based activities in the Summer Activities calendar.
Families enjoy the interactive “Dig and Discover” located outside adjacent to the building. Check out our playground. It features a more shaded location under the trees. Enjoy the outdoors near Magnolia Lake while your little ones dig in!
Hours of Operation:
In Season | June – August **
(June 1 – Labor Day): Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM* | Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM* | Sunday: As Posted
* Unless otherwise posted on the door of the Nature Center due to unforeseen circumstances.
(After Labor Day): Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM | Sundays, 10 AM – 5 PM
Off-Season Hours | Beginning Nov. 1*
Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM | Closed Saturday and Sunday
**All hours are subject to change, and changes will be posted at the Nature Center door. **
Check our monthly Activities Calendar for details.
Related Links
- Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center
- Camptown Center
- Ocean Lakes RV Center
- Church
- Coffee & Creamery
- Outdoor Fun
- Bicycle Rentals
- Handicap Access
- Lakeside Paws N’ Play
- Recreation Building
Jellyfish
Feeding Waterfowl & Laws
Nature Center Meet n’ Greet
Beach Renourishment
Facts: Storm Water Issues
Camping with Pets
Shell ID Card Front
Shell ID Card Back