Barrier Island Parks Society, Inc.

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Boca Grande, FL
Barrier Island Parks Society, Inc.

Inspire. Educate. Preserve. BIPS mission is to inspire the exploration and preservation of natural a
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06/02/2026

🌅 Thank You for an Incredible History Tour Climb Season! 🌅

As we wrapped up our final two History Tour Climbs of the season this past week at the beautiful Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us throughout the season to experience the history, breathtaking views, and unique stories that make this landmark so special.

One visitor, Teryn from Tampa, reminded us just how meaningful our historic treasures are. Her stunning tattoo of the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum is a lasting tribute to a place she carries with her wherever she goes. Stories like hers are what make preserving and sharing our history so rewarding.

To all of our visitors, volunteers, supporters, and history enthusiasts thank you for making this season one to remember. We are honored to share this iconic piece of Florida history with each of you.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back this fall for another season of climbs, discoveries, and unforgettable views from the top!

📸 If you visited this season, share your favorite photos and memories in the comments below.

Until then, thank you for helping keep the history of Boca Grande shining bright! ❤️🏝️🗼

06/01/2026

🌞🏖️ SUMMER HOURS ARE HERE! 🏖️🌞

Beginning today, June 1st, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum will be operating on our summer schedule.

🗓️ Open: Tuesday – Saturday
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🚫 Closed: Sundays & Mondays

We invite residents and visitors alike to stop by and explore the rich history of Boca Grande, enjoy our museum exhibits, browse the gift shop, and take in the beauty of one of Florida's most iconic lighthouses.

Whether you're discovering the lighthouse for the first time or returning for another visit, we look forward to welcoming you this summer!

Come make history part of your summer adventure!

05/29/2026

This is it...your final Saturday of the season to climb the historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse before it closes for the summer!

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is your sign. Make your way up 134 steps and step into the lantern room for one of the most unforgettable vantage points in Southwest Florida. From the top, you’ll take in sweeping views of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of America stretching as far as the eye can see.

It’s a simple, walk-up experience... no reservations needed. Climbs run every 20 minutes (weather permitting), and guests should note the final ascent goes up 20 minutes before closing.

🎟️ Admission: $15 Adults | $5 Children under 12
📍 Parking: Florida State Park lot north of the lighthouse

Once it closes after Saturday, the lighthouse won’t reopen again until October, making this your last chance this season to experience it from the top.

More details: BIPS.org

05/28/2026

If you’re visiting Boca Grande or exploring Southwest Florida, make sure to add a true local gem to your itinerary... the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this historic lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into the rich and fascinating history of Gasparilla Island.

Step inside and discover exhibits that bring the island’s past to life, from the ancient Calusa Native Americans to the island’s pivotal role in the early 1900s phosphate industry, to the world-famous tradition of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

Families will especially enjoy the interactive “please touch” area, where kids and adults alike can get hands-on with local bones, fossils, and shells, making history fun and memorable for all ages.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the charming gift shop! It’s small but thoughtfully stocked with unique souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, and more... perfect for taking a piece of Gasparilla Island home with you.

Make your visit part of your Southwest Florida adventure and experience the history, beauty, and stories that make the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum so special.

05/27/2026

Summer is right around the corner, and our parks and beaches will soon welcome a surge of visitors. This is one of the most important times of year for our Beach Ambassadors, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to join the team.

The Barrier Island Parks Society relies on dedicated, generous volunteers who are truly the heart of our mission. Our Beach Ambassadors play a vital role in helping us protect barrier islands and the wildlife habitats they support.

If you enjoy being outdoors, and helping others appreciate the natural beauty of our barrier islands, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact in your community.

We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer who shares their time and enthusiasm to help inspire others to protect and preserve these precious ecosystems.

To learn more or apply, please complete the information below....
https://www.bips.org/register-volunteer

📞 Questions? Call us at (941) 964-0060
📧 Email: [email protected]

Join us and help make a difference where it matters most... right here on our barrier islands.

05/26/2026

This Wednesday and Saturday are your final chances of the season to experience one of Southwest Florida’s most iconic views from the top of the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse!

Climbs will be closing for the summer and will not reopen until October,so don’t miss this opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery from the lantern room after climbing 134 steps to the top. From above, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of America.

Climbs are offered every 20 minutes (as space allows) and are weather permitting. No reservations are required, and the last climb goes up 20 minutes before closing.

📍 Public parking is available at the Florida State Park parking lot located north of the lighthouse

🎟️ $15 Adults | $5 Children under 12
ℹ️ For more information visit BIPS.org

Don’t miss your last chance this season to climb, explore, and take in the view from one of Florida’s most treasured landmarks.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, the Barrier Island Parks Society honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

As we gather with family and friends along our beautiful coastlines and parks, let us never forget those who gave everything for this country. Their courage, service, and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Today, we pause in gratitude. ❤️🤍💙

05/21/2026

🇺🇸🌿 This Memorial Day weekend, the Barrier Island Parks Society encourages everyone visiting our beautiful local state parks to help protect and preserve these special places we all treasure.

Whether you’re exploring the beaches of Gasparilla Island State Park, hiking the trails at Stump Pass Beach State Park, discovering Don Pedro Island State Park, or boating through the beauty of Cayo Costa State Park, please remember to be a good steward of our natural resources.

✔️ Pack out all trash and belongings
✔️ Respect wildlife and protected habitats
✔️ Stay on marked trails and dune crossings
✔️ Help keep our beaches and waterways clean
✔️ Leave these parks just as beautiful as you found them

These parks are more than scenic destinations, they are vital habitats, historic treasures, and places where families create lifelong memories. Every visitor plays an important role in preserving them for generations to come.

Thank you for helping us care for Florida’s incredible barrier islands this Memorial Day weekend. 🌊☀️🐚

05/20/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Closure Notice 🇺🇸

Please note that the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum will be closed on Memorial Day as we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day and look forward to welcoming visitors back Tuesday to continue exploring the rich history and beauty of Boca Grande.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends. 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

🚨⚓ FINAL 2 WEEKS for Gasparilla Island Lighthouse Climbs! ⚓🚨

Time is running out to experience one of Boca Grande’s most iconic adventures before the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse closes for the summer season until October! With only a handful of climb dates remaining, now is your chance to take in the breathtaking views from the top of this historic landmark. 🌊🌴

Climb all 134 steps to the lantern room and enjoy panoramic views of Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of America, a truly unforgettable island experience!

✔ Climbs offered every 20 minutes as space allows
✔ Weather permitting
✔ No reservations required
✔ Last climb goes up 20 minutes before closing

💲 $15 Adults | $5 Children (under 12)

Make a full day of it by exploring nearby beaches, nature trails, local shops, and island history while you’re here!

🅿️ Public parking is available at the Florida State Park Parking Lot located north of the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse.

Don’t miss your chance to climb before the season ends!

For more information visit BIPS.org

Address

880 Belcher Road, P0 Box 637
Boca Grande, FL
33921

Telephone

+19419640060

Website

http://www.BIPS.org/

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