Rand Nature Center

The 100-acre Rand Nature Center on East Settler's Way is operated by the Bahamas National Trust.

Located only a few minutes from downtown Freeport, Rand offers a series of hiking trails wind through the pines and bushes and plants, many with interpretive signs.

About a half mile inside the park is the center's main attraction, a large pond with West Indian flamingos, national bird of the Bahamas.

It's also a good place to spot the Bahama yellowthroat, great blue heron and other species. A walk points out the plants used for bush medicine.

An interpretive walk is available at 10 a.m. Rand also features a display about the Lucayan Indians, original inhabitants of the island. A Lucayan Village recreates a chieftain's house, four dwelling huts ("canayes") and a ceremonial building. These were damaged, however, by recent storms and may not be open.

For more information: (242) 352-5438. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. These are really lazy hours. Weekends are one of Grand Bahamas' busiest times, with many travelers visiting from Florida.

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